sensitiivne

Sensitiivne is an Estonian adjective meaning sensitive, particularly in the sense of heightened perception, emotional responsiveness, or susceptibility to stimuli. The term can describe people, skin, or devices that react readily to small changes in input. The noun form is sensitiivsus, and related adjectives include tundlik and tundlikkus, which convey general sensitivity but with less emphasis on intensity or specificity.

In people, sensitiivne often characterizes a temperament or personality trait where emotional cues and sensory information are processed intensely. Such individuals may experience emotions more deeply, respond strongly to others’ moods, or be more affected by environmental factors. In dermatology and consumer contexts, sensitiivne may describe skin that is easily irritated or reactive to products or environmental conditions, as in sensitiivne nahk (sensitive skin). In technology and engineering, sensitiivne is used to describe devices or systems with high responsiveness to signals or stimuli, such as sensitiivne andur (sensitive sensor).

Etymology: the word is borrowed into Estonian from European linguistic traditions, ultimately rooted in Latin sensus or sensitives, through intermediate languages, and formed in Estonian with the productive suffix -ivne.

Usage notes: sensitiivne is generally neutral but can carry evaluative nuance depending on context. It may be positive when indicating advantageous perceptual abilities, or negative when highlighting vulnerability or irritability. The term is widely understood in Estonian-language media, healthcare, education, and technical writing.