sensible

Sensible is an English adjective with two principal senses. The first describes something that can be perceived by the senses or felt physically. In physics, sensible heat is heat that causes a change in temperature, as opposed to latent heat, which does not produce a temperature change. More generally, something sensible may be tangible or noticeable.

The second sense characterizes a person or action that shows good sense, practicality, or reasonableness. A sensible plan avoids unnecessary risk; a sensible person is prudent and level-headed. In everyday use, phrases like a sensible choice, sensible shoes, or It’s sensible to bring a raincoat illustrate this meaning.

Etymology and distinction: the word comes from Latin sensibilis ‘able to feel,’ from sensus ‘sense,’ and entered English via Old French in the Middle Ages. It is related to sensitive, but sensible carries a value judgment of prudence or perceptibility rather than susceptibility or emotion. In technical contexts, sensible often contrasts with latent or nondetectable phenomena in fields such as thermodynamics.

Usage notes: sensible can sound formal or slightly old-fashioned in some contexts, and American speakers may prefer terms like reasonable or practical for describing decisions or plans. The phrase sensible person is common in both varieties, though it may imply a traditional or measured character in some dialects. Overall, sensible denotes both perceptibility and prudent practicality, depending on the context.