Sensitively vs Sensibly: Which Should You Use In Writing?

Are you confused about the difference between the words “sensitively” and “sensibly”? You’re not alone. While they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and uses. Let’s dive into the nuances of these two words.

It’s important to note that both words are proper, but they are not interchangeable. “Sensitively” is an adverb that describes how something is done or felt, while “sensibly” is an adverb that describes how something is reasonable or practical.

To be “sensitive” means to be aware of and responsive to the feelings of others. Therefore, “sensitively” means to do something in a way that shows consideration for others’ emotions. On the other hand, “sensibly” means to do something in a way that is practical and reasonable, based on sound judgment.

Now that we’ve clarified the definitions, let’s explore the different contexts in which these words are used. Understanding the proper usage of these words will help you communicate more effectively and accurately.

Define Sensitively

Sensitively is an adverb that describes the manner in which something is done with a heightened awareness and consideration for the feelings of others. It involves being empathetic and understanding towards others’ emotions and responding in a thoughtful and compassionate manner. A person who acts sensitively is aware of the impact their actions or words may have on others and takes steps to minimize any negative effects.

Define Sensibly

Sensibly is an adverb that describes the manner in which something is done with good judgment and practicality. It involves making rational and logical decisions based on a careful evaluation of the situation and available information. A person who acts sensibly is able to weigh the pros and cons of a situation and make informed decisions that are in their best interest and the interest of others involved.

Here is a table that summarizes the differences between sensitively and sensibly:

Sensitively	Sensibly
Emotional awareness	Practicality
Empathy	Logic
Consideration for others	Self-interest

It is important to note that both sensitively and sensibly have their place in different situations. While sensitively is important in situations that involve emotions and interpersonal relationships, sensibly is important in situations that require rational decision-making and problem-solving. Striking a balance between the two can lead to successful outcomes in both personal and professional settings.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word in a sentence can make a big difference in the meaning you are trying to convey. Often, words that sound similar can have very different meanings. This is the case with the words “sensitively” and “sensibly.” Here’s how to use them properly in a sentence:

How To Use “Sensitively” In A Sentence

“Sensitively” is an adverb that describes how something is done with care and consideration for others’ feelings or needs. Here are some examples of how to use “sensitively” in a sentence:

• He spoke sensitively to the grieving family, offering his condolences and support.
• The teacher handled the sensitive topic sensitively, making sure to address any concerns or questions from the students.
• The artist painted the portrait sensitively, capturing the subject’s emotions and personality.

As you can see, “sensitively” is used to describe how something is done with care and consideration for others. It’s important to use this word when you want to convey empathy or understanding.

How To Use “Sensibly” In A Sentence

“Sensibly” is an adverb that describes how something is done in a practical or logical way. Here are some examples of how to use “sensibly” in a sentence:

• She sensibly saved her money instead of spending it all at once.
• The company sensibly invested in new technology to improve efficiency.
• He sensibly chose to take a break and rest instead of pushing himself too hard.

As you can see, “sensibly” is used to describe how something is done in a practical or logical way. It’s important to use this word when you want to convey a sense of reason or good judgment.

More Examples Of Sensitively & Sensibly Used In Sentences

In order to further understand the difference between sensitively and sensibly, it can be helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of using sensitively in a sentence:

• She handled the delicate situation sensitively and with tact.
• He spoke to her sensitively, knowing that she was feeling vulnerable.
• The artist approached the controversial topic sensitively in her work.
• It is important to communicate sensitively with those who have experienced trauma.
• The therapist listened sensitively to her patient’s concerns.
• He reacted sensitively to her emotional outburst, offering comfort and support.
• The teacher addressed the sensitive topic sensitively, taking care not to offend any students.
• The journalist reported on the tragedy sensitively and with respect for the victims.
• She handled the customer complaint sensitively, offering a solution that met their needs.
• The politician spoke sensitively about the issue, acknowledging the concerns of all parties involved.

Now, let’s take a look at some examples of using sensibly in a sentence:

• He made a sensibly cautious decision based on the available information.
• She managed her finances sensibly, saving for the future and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
• The company made sensibly strategic investments to grow their business.
• He approached the problem sensibly, considering all possible solutions before making a decision.
• The doctor prescribed medication sensibly, taking into account the patient’s medical history and allergies.
• She dressed sensibly for the weather, wearing warm clothing on a cold day.
• The team worked sensibly together to complete the project on time and within budget.
• He spoke sensibly about the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed policy.
• The coach made sensibly tactical decisions during the game, leading the team to victory.
• She handled the difficult situation sensibly, keeping a level head and finding a solution.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using words interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Sensitively and sensibly are two such words that are often used incorrectly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

Confusing Sensitively With Sensibly

One of the most common mistakes people make is using sensitively when they actually mean sensibly. Sensitively is an adverb that describes how something is done with care, empathy, or awareness of others’ feelings. Sensibly, on the other hand, is an adverb that describes how something is done in a practical, reasonable, or logical manner.

For example, saying “I need to handle this situation sensitively” implies that you need to handle it with care and empathy, while saying “I need to handle this situation sensibly” implies that you need to handle it in a practical and logical manner.

Using Sensibly When Sensitively Is More Appropriate

Another mistake people make is using sensibly when sensitively is more appropriate. For example, saying “I need to approach this situation sensibly” implies that you need to approach it in a practical and logical manner, while saying “I need to approach this situation sensitively” implies that you need to approach it with care and empathy for others’ feelings.

Offering Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the differences between sensitively and sensibly. Here are some tips:

• Take the time to think about which word is more appropriate for the situation.
• If you’re not sure which word to use, look up the definitions to make sure you’re using the correct one.
• Consider the context of the situation and choose the word that best fits the tone and purpose of your message.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your communication is clear, effective, and sensitive to others’ feelings when necessary.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words sensitively and sensibly can be a tricky task, as the context in which they are used can greatly impact their meaning.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between sensitively and sensibly might change:

Context	Sensitively	Sensibly
Emotional Situations	When dealing with emotional situations, it is important to handle them sensitively. This means being aware of other people’s feelings and responding appropriately.	When making decisions in emotional situations, it is important to think sensibly. This means considering all the facts and making a rational decision.
Business Settings	In a business setting, it is important to communicate sensitively. This means being respectful and tactful when dealing with clients or colleagues.	In a business setting, it is important to act sensibly. This means making decisions that are based on logic and reason, rather than emotions.
Everyday Life	In everyday life, it is important to treat others sensitively. This means being kind and considerate to those around you.	In everyday life, it is important to act sensibly. This means making decisions that are practical and reasonable.

As you can see, the choice between sensitively and sensibly can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the situation and choose the word that best fits the intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While there are clear guidelines for when to use “sensitively” and “sensibly,” there are a few exceptions where these rules may not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Colloquialism

In some cases, colloquial language may override the rules for using “sensitively” and “sensibly.” For example, in some dialects or informal conversations, it may be more common to say “I sensibly decided to go to the store” rather than “I decided to go to the store sensibly.” However, it is important to note that this usage may not be considered standard or formal English.

2. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions that use “sensibly” or “sensitively” in a way that may not align with the standard usage of these words. For example, the phrase “to tread sensitively” means to be cautious or considerate, even though “sensibly” might seem like a more appropriate word choice. Similarly, the phrase “to act sensibly” might be used to mean “to act with common sense” rather than “to act in a sensitive manner.”

3. Contextual Nuances

In some cases, the context of a sentence or phrase may affect the appropriate usage of “sensitively” or “sensibly.” For example, consider the sentence “She handled the situation sensitively.” In this case, “sensitively” is the correct word choice because it conveys the idea that the woman handled the situation with care and consideration for others’ feelings. However, if the sentence were “She handled the situation sensibly,” it might imply that the woman made a practical or logical decision, rather than one that took others’ emotions into account.

Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using “sensitively” and “sensibly,” it is important to strive for clarity and precision in your language usage whenever possible.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of sensitively and sensibly requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Sensitively	Sensibly
She handled the situation _________, taking into account everyone’s feelings.	He made a _________ decision to invest in the stock market.
_________ speaking, it’s not a good idea to quit your job without having another one lined up.	He listened to her _________, trying to understand her point of view.

Answer key:

• Sensitively
• Sensibly
• Sensibly
• Sensitively

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

1. She acted __________ when she saw the injured bird on the sidewalk.
2. He __________ suggested that they take a break and come back to the problem later.
3. __________ speaking, it’s not a good idea to eat junk food every day.
4. He handled the situation __________, taking into account everyone’s feelings.

Answer key:

• Sensitively
• Sensibly
• Sensibly
• Sensitively

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of sensitively and sensibly in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “sensitively” and “sensibly,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Sensitively refers to being aware of and responsive to the feelings of others, while sensibly refers to making practical and reasonable decisions.

It is important to use language accurately and appropriately in order to effectively communicate your message. By understanding the nuances of words like “sensitively” and “sensibly,” you can avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Key Takeaways

• “Sensitively” and “sensibly” have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
• “Sensitively” refers to being aware of and responsive to the feelings of others.
• “Sensibly” refers to making practical and reasonable decisions.
• Using language accurately and appropriately is important for effective communication.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your communication skills and avoid common mistakes. Whether you are a writer, a speaker, or simply someone who wants to be understood, taking the time to learn about language can make a big difference in how you are perceived and understood by others.