sensory
SEN-suh-ree
/ˈsɛn.sər.i/
Relating to sensation or the physical senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch).
Sensory is a scientific and descriptive term. It is neutral and refers to anything that stimulates the physical senses, whereas 'sensual' often has sexual or physical pleasure connotations.
The story behind the word. Sensory comes from the Latin 'sensorius', from 'sensus', which is the past participle of 'sentire', meaning 'to feel' or 'to perceive'. It entered English in the mid-18th century as scientists began to map out how the nervous system transmits physical feelings to the brain.
Word relationships
- perceptual: Perceptual refers to the mental interpretation of sensory information, while sensory refers to the raw physical input itself.
- sensual: Sensual relates to physical, especially sexual, pleasure, whereas sensory is strictly about the physical senses in a broader or scientific context.
- intellectual: Intellectual relates to the mind and rational thought, rather than physical sensations.
- abstract: Abstract refers to ideas and concepts that exist apart from concrete, physical sensory experiences.
Commonly confused with
- sensual: Sensual refers to physical pleasure, while sensory refers to the physical senses themselves.
Word family
- sensation (noun): A physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body.
- sensor (noun): A device which detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it.
Collocations
- sensory overload
- sensory input
- sensory perception
- sensory details
Example sentences
- "The preschool designed a sensory garden filled with textured plants, wind chimes, and fragrant herbs to stimulate the children's development." Describing a learning environment
- "The brain processes sensory input from the eyes and ears to create a unified picture of our surroundings." A scientific description of brain function
Memory hook
Think of a 'sensor' on an automatic door—it 'senses' when you are near, just like your 'sensory' organs sense the world. Sensory is about the five senses.
When not to use
Do not confuse 'sensory' with 'sensible' (having good judgment) or 'sensitive' (easily hurt or highly aware).
Fun facts
- Some people experience 'synesthesia,' a neurological condition where sensory pathways overlap, causing them to 'hear' colors or 'taste' words.
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