sensitive

Sensitive is an adjective with several related senses. In general usage, it describes something capable of perceiving or reacting readily to stimuli, such as a sensitive skin or a sensitive microphone, which respond strongly to small changes. It also describes people who are easily affected by emotional, social, or environmental factors, often implying empathy or vulnerability. In common parlance it can also mean easily offended or requiring careful handling, as in sensitive topics or sensitive information.

In science and technology, sensitivity is a technical term. The sensitivity of a sensor or instrument is its ability to detect small changes in a quantity. High sensitivity implies finer discrimination but can also increase susceptibility to noise. In information security and privacy, sensitive data refers to personal or confidential information that must be protected from unauthorized access, sharing, or disclosure. In other contexts, sensitive equipment or environments require controlled conditions to avoid damage or contamination.

In social and clinical contexts, sensitivity encompasses awareness of others' feelings and cultures, often described as emotional or cultural sensitivity. Sensitive periods are developmental windows during which experiences have a disproportionate impact on growth. The term can also describe materials, systems, or individuals that demand careful handling to prevent harm, misuse, or distress.

Etymology: from Latin sensus, related to sense. Synonyms include delicate, responsive, or vulnerable; antonyms include insensitive or robust.