Sensible
/ˈsɛn.sə.bəl/noun
Able to perceive or feel, or showing good judgment and practicality.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin roots tied to perception, and its older history is linked to the idea of being capable of being felt or understood — not just “reasonable.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sent-
“to feel, perceive”
Latin
Latin
sentīre
“to feel, perceive, notice”
Latin
Latin
sēnsibilis
“capable of being perceived or felt”
Old French
Old French
sensible
“perceptive; capable of feeling”
Middle English
English
sensible
“perceptive, conscious; later, reasonable and practical”
Modern English
English
sensible
“showing good judgment and practicality; aware of or responsive to something”