Følsomt

Følsomt is a Scandinavian term used primarily in Danish and Norwegian to express sensitivity or delicacy. In both languages, følsomt functions as the neuter singular form of the adjective følsom when it modifies a neuter noun, and also as an adverb meaning “sensitively.” The base adjective følsom describes people, objects, or situations that are easily affected, responsive, or delicate.

Etymology and grammar: Følsom comes from the verb føle, “to feel,” with a suffix that forms an adjective meaning capable of feeling or easily affected. In Danish and Norwegian, the adjective inflects according to gender and number, while følsomt is used for neuter nouns and as an adverb. For example, in Danish you would say et følsomt emne (a sensitive topic) and reagerer følsomt (reacts sensitively). In Norwegian, the same pattern applies, with the base adjective følsom and forms like følsomme (plural) and følsomt (neuter/adverb).

Usage notes: Følsomt is commonly used for topics, situations, or materials that require careful handling or are emotionally charged. It also appears in phrases describing people or behaviors, such as a følsom person or handling følsomt materiale. In Danish, the plural attributive form is følsomme, as in følsomme oplysninger (sensitive information). In Norwegian, similar distinctions apply, with nuance differences between spoken and written usage.

See also: sensitive, delicate, susceptible, privacy and data protection terms where the concept of sensitivity is central.