insensati

Insensati is an Italian adjective meaning “foolish” or “senseless,” and it can also function as a noun in the masculine plural form insensati, referring to “the fools” or “the insensate ones.” The feminine forms are insensata (singular) and insensate (plural). The term conveys a judgment about reasoning or behavior judged as lacking prudence, sense, or good judgment.

Etymology and form: Insensati derives from Latin insensatus, formed with the prefix in- (“not”) and sensus (“sense”). In modern Italian, it sits opposite sensato, which means sensible or reasonable, and is used to describe actions, thoughts, or people perceived as irrational or thoughtless.

Usage and nuances: Insensati is commonly used in both formal and colloquial language to label acts as imprudent or irrational, such as “un gesto insensato” (an insane or reckless gesture) or “idee insensate” (foolish ideas). The word carries a negative moral tone, signaling disapproval of judgment or foresight. Related nouns include insensatezza (foolishness, senselessness) and insensibilità (insensitivity, numbness), which share the root but describe different concepts.

See also: insensatezza, insensibilità, sensatezza, insensato. These terms help distinguish between foolishness, lack of sensitivity, and genuine prudence in Italian vocabulary.