| 释义 |
sensational, a.|sɛnˈseɪʃənəl|
[f. sensation + -al1.]
1. Of or pertaining to or dependent upon sensation or the senses.
1840Whewell Philos. Induct. Sci. (1847) II. 651 No apprehension of things is purely ideal: no experience of external things is purely sensational. 1860Farrar Orig. Lang. (1865) 98 If the entire lexicon of every language be capable of being reduced to a number of sensational roots,..Grammar always remains as the indisputable result of the pure reason. 1877E. Caird Philos. Kant ii. i. 219 Hume had actually attempted to reduce mathematical truth within the limits of sensational experience. 1893Pulsford Loyalty to Christ II. 348, I am persuaded that the Divine-human life as much includes sensational pleasure, as intelligence, righteousness, purity, and goodness.
absol.1854Lowell Among my Bks. Ser. ii. Keats (end), The sensational was elevated into the typical by the control of that finer sense which underlies the senses and is the spirit of them.
2. Of philosophical theories: Regarding sensation as the sole source of knowledge.
1854A. G. Henderson tr. Cousin's Philos. of Kant iii. 32 The sensational philosophy..pretends to deduce all knowledge from experience. 1855Dubl. Rev. XXXVIII. 198 The Sensational School [of Philosophy], as it has been called. 1860Young Prov. Reason 292 In opposition to a mere sensational, materialistic, positive philosophy.
3. a. Of works of literature or art, hence of writers: Dealing in ‘sensation’ (see sensation 3 a), aiming at violently exciting effects. Also of incidents in fiction or in real life: Calculated to produce a startling impression.
1863Mansel Lett., Lect., etc. (1873) 242 The above samples may be considered as belonging to the aristocratic branch of sensational literature. 1864Times 11 Apr. 8/3 Astley's... Stupendous sensational effect, never equalled on any stage. 1868Jas. York tr. Juan Manuel's C'nt Lucanor (1888) Pref. 7 An age surfeited with the sensational novels that pour from our circulating libraries in an uninterrupted stream. 1879B. Taylor Germ. Lit. 190 The ‘sensational’ element which has crept into English and American literature is worse than the affected classicism of the 17th century. 1885Diary of Actress 131 Rehearsing all the morning: a most sensational piece.
b. absol. Also U.S. as n., a sensational journal or journalist.
1899H. Wright Depopulation 90 In modern life, where the electric waves of the sensational vibrate through a continent rapidly. 1901Scribner's Mag. Apr. 407/2 The sensationals had been encouraging cranks to remember the rights of labor.
Add:[3.] c. Of a person, an action, a product, etc.: giving rise to great public excitement and interest. Hence, in trivial use: remarkable, exciting, striking.
1898G. B. Shaw Plays Pleasant & Unpleasant I. p. xix, It is quite possible for a piece to enjoy the most sensational success on the basis of a complete misunderstanding of its philosophy. 1918Rose Annual 148 The most sensational Rose among Climbers of the year was undoubtedly that fine Hybrid, Mermaid. 1927Melody Maker Aug. 800 (Advt.), The sensational hit. Sweeping the country like a cyclone. 1953K. Tennant Joyful Condemned xvi. 136 The staff-room was split over the sensational row between Miss Page and the Head. 1969Daily Tel. 12 Apr. 13 Musicologically sensational and musically highly enjoyable was Alan Hacker's performance on the basset clarinet. 1979J. Hansen Skinflick x. 77 How about a sports car?..Let it roll off a cliff and catch fire. Just like TV. Sensational. 1984Financial Times 28 Apr. 19/2 Americans seem to be fond of salads as a first course, which can be a sensational start to a dinner if as good as this one. |