Sensible actions or decisions are good because they are based on reasons rather than emotions.
It might be sensible to get a solicitor.
The sensible thing is to leave them alone.
...sensible advice.
Synonyms: wise, practical, prudent, shrewd More Synonyms of sensible
sensibly (sensɪbli)adverb [ADVERB with verb]
He sensibly decided to lie low for a while.
They have very sensibly adjusted their diet.
2. adjective
Sensible people behave in a sensible way.
She was a sensible girl and did not panic.
Oh come on, let's be sensible about this. [+ about]
I'm trying to persuade you to be more sensible.
Synonyms: intelligent, practical, reasonable, rational More Synonyms of sensible
3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Sensible shoes or clothes are practical and strong rather than fashionable and attractive.
Wear loose clothing and sensible footwear.
sensiblyadverb [ADVERB after verb, ADVERB -ed]
They were not sensibly dressed.
More Synonyms of sensible
sensible in British English
(ˈsɛnsɪbəl)
adjective
1.
having or showing good sense or judgment
a sensible decision
2.
(of clothing) serviceable; practical
sensible shoes
3.
having the capacity for sensation; sensitive
4.
capable of being apprehended by the senses
5.
perceptible to the mind
6. (sometimes foll by of)
having perception; aware
sensible of your kindness
7.
readily perceived; considerable
a sensible difference
noun
8. Also called: sensible note. a less common term for leading note
Derived forms
sensibleness (ˈsensibleness)
noun
sensibly (ˈsensibly)
adverb
Word origin
C14: from Old French, from Late Latin sēnsibilis, from Latin sentīre to sense
sensible in American English
(ˈsɛnsəbəl)
adjective
1.
that can cause physical sensation; perceptible to the senses
2.
perceptible to the intellect
3.
easily perceived or noticed; marked; striking; appreciable
4.
having senses; capable of receiving sensation; sensitive
5.
having appreciation or understanding; emotionally or intellectually aware
sensible of another's grief
6.
having or showing good sense or sound judgment; intelligent; reasonable; wise
SIMILAR WORDS: aˈware, maˈterial, perˈceptible, ˈrational
Derived forms
sensibly (ˈsensibly)
adverb
Word origin
ME < MFr < L sensibilis < sensus, pp. of sentire, to feel, sense
Examples of 'sensible' in a sentence
sensible
You have to be sensible about it.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Sensible artists get out while they are ahead.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You give him some sensible advice about not showing out.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
And they still need a sensible diet.
The Sun (2010)
You might think so and so might any other sensible person.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
They may be caused by your shoes rubbing so padding and sensible footwear may solve the problem.
The Sun (2008)
This is a sensible and careful judgment.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We need people to think and to be sensible about what they are doing.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Far easier and more sensible just to get wet.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
She offers sensible advice to the contestants and is a breath of fresh air.
The Sun (2008)
The most sensible person in your family has exciting news.
The Sun (2011)
That makes it difficult to reach a sensible judgment on whether this is a justified expense.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But you could be surprised when you make a sensible love choice rather than a more glamorous one.
The Sun (2014)
Your standard diet sounds very sensible.
The Sun (2016)
These are sensible, practical arrangements to ensure the transfer of new powers smoothly.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
My daughter is sensible, quite sensitive.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Suddenly, that lottery seems rather sensible.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It has taken a practical, sensible approach to what is a tricky issue.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It was all very sensitive and sensible, but a bit of a yawn.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Always wear sensible footwear around horses - flimsy sandals are dangerous.
Eccles, Lesley Your First Horse - buying, feeding, caring (1989)
In other languages
sensible
British English: sensible /ˈsɛnsɪbl/ ADJECTIVE
A sensible person is able to make good decisions and judgements based on reason.
She was a sensible girl and did not panic.
American English: sensible
Arabic: مَعْقول
Brazilian Portuguese: sensato
Chinese: 明智的
Croatian: razborit
Czech: rozumný
Danish: følsom
Dutch: verstandig
European Spanish: sensato
Finnish: järkevä
French: raisonnable
German: vernünftig
Greek: συνετός
Italian: giudizioso
Japanese: 分別のある
Korean: 현명한
Norwegian: fornuftig
Polish: rozsądny
European Portuguese: sensato
Romanian: rațional
Russian: благоразумный
Latin American Spanish: sensato
Swedish: förnuftig
Thai: มีเหตุผล
Turkish: sağduyulu
Ukrainian: розумний
Vietnamese: có óc xét đoán
All related terms of 'sensible'
sensible heat
Sensible heat is heat which is exchanged in an energy generation system, and which only affects the temperature of one or more substances.
sensible idea
An idea is a plan, suggestion , or possible course of action.
sensible note
the major seventh note of any scale
sensible step
A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something.
sensible way
If you refer to a way of doing something, you are referring to how you can do it, for example the action you can take or the method you can use to achieve it.
sensible advice
If you give someone advice , you tell them what you think they should do in a particular situation.
sensible shoes
Shoes are objects which you wear on your feet. They cover most of your foot and you wear them over socks or stockings .
sensible horizon
the apparent line that divides the earth and the sky
sensible judgment
A judgment is an opinion that you have or express after thinking carefully about something.
sensible compromise
A compromise is a situation in which people accept something slightly different from what they really want , because of circumstances or because they are considering the wishes of other people.
sensible precaution
A precaution is an action that is intended to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening .
celestial horizon
the apparent line that divides the earth and the sky
horizon
The horizon is the line in the far distance where the sky seems to meet the land or the sea .
Chinese translation of 'sensible'
sensible
(ˈsɛnsɪbl)
adj
[person]通情达(達)理的 (tōng qíng dá lǐ de)
[decision, suggestion]明智的 (míngzhì de)
[shoes, clothes]实(實)用耐穿的 (shíyòng nàichuān de)
it would be sensible to go to bed early早上床睡觉(覺)是明智的 (zǎo shàngchuáng shuìjiào shì míngzhì de)
1 (adjective)
Definition
having or showing good sense or judgment
It might be sensible to get a solicitor.
Synonyms
wise
She had made a very wise decision.
practical
clothes which are practical as well as stylish
prudent
We believed ours was the prudent and responsible course of action.
shrewd
well-informed
judicious
well-advised
Opposites
stupid
,
silly
,
foolish
,
daft (informal)
,
unwise
,
idiotic
,
injudicious
,
blind
2 (adjective)
Definition
having or showing good sense or judgment
She was a sensible girl and did not panic.
Synonyms
intelligent
Rita is a highly intelligent woman.
practical
She is always so practical and full of common sense.
reasonable
He's a reasonable sort of chap.
rational
a rational decision
sound
They are trained nutritionists who can give sound advice on diets.
realistic
a realistic view of what we can afford
sober
We are now far more sober and realistic.
discriminating
discreet
He followed at a discreet distance.
sage
My parents were always on hand to offer sage advice.
shrewd
She's a shrewd businesswoman.
a shrewd guess
down-to-earth
She's the most down-to-earth person I've met.
matter-of-fact
prudent
sane
a sane and safe energy policy
canny
He was far too canny to risk giving himself away.
judicious
The President authorizes the judicious use of military force.
far-sighted
The decision was described as a far-sighted, significant step.
sagacious
a wise and sagacious leader
grounded
Opposites
ignorant
,
unreasonable
,
irrational
,
senseless
,
dumb-ass (slang)
3 (adjective)
Definition
perceptible to the mind
Synonyms
perceptible
There was a perceptible silence, momentary but definite.
significant
It is the first drug that seems to have a significant effect on this disease.
considerable
We have already spent a considerable amount of money on repairs.
visible
The meadows are hardly visible from the house.
a visible effort to control himself
tangible
There is tangible evidence that the economy is starting to recover.
noticeable
These changes have had no noticeable effect on productivity.
palpable
palpable benefits
appreciable
This has not had an appreciable effect on production.
discernable
4 (adjective)
Definition
aware
(literary
Synonyms
aware
understanding
convinced
conscious
sensitive to
mindful
We must be mindful of the consequences of selfishness.
acquainted with
alive to
You must be alive to opportunity!
observant
An observant doctor can detect symptoms from expression and posture.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of alive to
Definition
aware of
You must be alive to opportunity!
Synonyms
aware of,
sensitive to,
susceptible to,
alert to,
eager for,
awake to,
cognizant of,
sensible of
in the sense of appreciable
Definition
enough to be noticed
This has not had an appreciable effect on production.
Synonyms
significant,
marked,
obvious,
considerable,
substantial,
visible,
evident,
pronounced,
definite,
noticeable,
clear-cut,
discernible,
measurable,
material,
recognizable,
detectable,
perceptible,
distinguishable,
ascertainable,
perceivable
in the sense of canny
Definition
shrewd or cautious
He was far too canny to risk giving himself away.
Synonyms
shrewd,
knowing,
sharp,
acute,
careful,
wise,
clever,
subtle,
cautious,
prudent,
astute,
on the ball (informal),
artful,
judicious,
circumspect,
perspicacious (formal),
sagacious (formal),
worldly-wise
Synonyms of 'sensible'
sensible
Explore 'sensible' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of considerable
Definition
large enough to reckon with
We have already spent a considerable amount of money on repairs.
Synonyms
large,
goodly,
much,
great,
marked,
comfortable,
substantial,
reasonable,
tidy (informal),
lavish,
ample,
noticeable,
abundant,
plentiful,
tolerable,
appreciable,
sizable or sizeable
in the sense of discreet
Definition
careful to avoid embarrassment when dealing with secret or private matters
He followed at a discreet distance.
Synonyms
tactful,
diplomatic,
politic,
reserved,
guarded,
careful,
sensible,
cautious,
wary,
discerning,
prudent,
considerate,
judicious,
circumspect,
sagacious
in the sense of down-to-earth
Definition
sensible or practical
She's the most down-to-earth person I've met.
Synonyms
sensible,
practical,
realistic,
common-sense,
matter-of-fact,
sane,
no-nonsense,
hard-headed,
unsentimental,
plain-spoken,
grounded
in the sense of far-sighted
Definition
able to look forward and plan ahead
The decision was described as a far-sighted, significant step.
Synonyms
prudent,
acute,
wise,
cautious,
sage,
shrewd,
discerning,
canny,
provident,
judicious,
prescient,
far-seeing,
politic
in the sense of judicious
Definition
having or showing good judgment
The President authorizes the judicious use of military force.
Synonyms
sensible,
considered,
reasonable,
discerning,
sound,
politic,
acute,
informed,
diplomatic,
careful,
wise,
cautious,
rational,
sober,
discriminating,
thoughtful,
discreet,
sage,
enlightened,
shrewd,
prudent,
sane,
skilful,
astute,
expedient,
circumspect,
well-advised,
well-judged,
sagacious (formal),
sapient (ironic)
in the sense of mindful
Definition
being aware of and taking into account
We must be mindful of the consequences of selfishness.
Synonyms
aware,
careful,
conscious,
alert,
sensible,
wary,
thoughtful,
attentive,
respectful,
watchful,
alive to,
cognizant,
chary,
heedful,
regardful
in the sense of noticeable
Definition
easily seen or detected
These changes have had no noticeable effect on productivity.
Synonyms
obvious,
clear,
striking,
plain,
bold,
evident,
distinct,
manifest,
conspicuous,
unmistakable,
salient,
observable,
perceptible,
appreciable,
blatant
in the sense of observant
Definition
quick to notice details around one
An observant doctor can detect symptoms from expression and posture.
Synonyms
attentive,
quick,
alert,
perceptive,
concentrating,
careful,
vigilant,
mindful,
watchful,
wide-awake,
sharp-eyed,
eagle-eyed,
keen-eyed,
on your toes,
heedful
in the sense of palpable
Definition
(of a feeling or an atmosphere) so intense that it seems capable of being touched
palpable benefits
Synonyms
tangible,
real,
material,
solid,
substantial (formal),
concrete,
touchable
in the sense of practical
Definition
involving the simple basics
clothes which are practical as well as stylish
Synonyms
useful,
ordinary,
appropriate,
sensible,
everyday,
functional,
utilitarian,
serviceable
Additional synonyms
in the sense of practical
Definition
concerned with everyday matters
She is always so practical and full of common sense.
Synonyms
sensible,
ordinary,
realistic,
down-to-earth,
mundane,
matter-of-fact,
no-nonsense,
businesslike,
hard-headed,
workaday,
grounded
in the sense of prudent
Definition
exercising good judgment
We believed ours was the prudent and responsible course of action.
Synonyms
wise,
politic,
sensible,
sage,
shrewd,
discerning,
judicious,
sagacious (formal)
in the sense of rational
Definition
reasonable or sensible
a rational decision
Synonyms
sensible,
sound,
wise,
reasonable,
intelligent,
realistic,
logical,
enlightened,
sane,
lucid,
judicious,
sagacious,
grounded
in the sense of realistic
a realistic view of what we can afford
Synonyms
practical,
real,
sensible,
rational,
common-sense,
sober,
pragmatic,
down-to-earth,
matter-of-fact,
businesslike,
level-headed,
hard-headed,
unsentimental,
unromantic,
grounded
in the sense of reasonable
Definition
logical
He's a reasonable sort of chap.
Synonyms
sensible,
reasoned,
sound,
practical,
wise,
intelligent,
rational,
logical,
sober,
credible,
plausible,
sane,
judicious,
grounded
in the sense of sagacious
Definition
wise or sensible
a wise and sagacious leader
Synonyms
wise,
shrewd,
astute,
knowing,
able,
fly (slang),
sharp,
acute,
smart,
intelligent,
sage,
discerning,
canny,
perceptive,
judicious,
insightful,
far-sighted,
clear-sighted,
long-headed,
sharp-witted,
perspicacious (formal)
in the sense of sage
Definition
very wise or knowledgeable, esp. as the result of age or experience
My parents were always on hand to offer sage advice.
Synonyms
wise,
learned,
intelligent,
sensible,
politic,
acute,
discerning,
prudent,
canny,
judicious,
perspicacious (formal),
sagacious (formal),
sapient (ironic)
in the sense of sane
Definition
sensible or well-judged
a sane and safe energy policy
Synonyms
sensible,
sound,
reasonable,
balanced,
moderate,
sober,
judicious,
level-headed,
grounded
in the sense of shrewd
Definition
intelligent and making good judgments
She's a shrewd businesswoman.a shrewd guess
Synonyms
astute,
clever,
sharp,
knowing,
fly (slang),
keen,
acute,
smart,
calculated,
calculating,
intelligent,
discriminating,
cunning,
discerning,
sly,
canny,
perceptive,
wily,
crafty,
artful,
far-sighted,
far-seeing,
long-headed (rare),
perspicacious (formal),
sagacious (formal)
in the sense of significant
Definition
very important
It is the first drug that seems to have a significant effect on this disease.
Synonyms
important,
marked,
notable,
striking,
serious,
material,
vital,
critical,
considerable,
impressive,
pronounced,
conspicuous,
momentous,
weighty,
noteworthy
Additional synonyms
in the sense of sober
Definition
serious and thoughtful
We are now far more sober and realistic.
Synonyms
serious,
practical,
realistic,
sound,
cool,
calm,
grave,
reasonable,
steady,
composed,
rational,
solemn,
lucid,
sedate,
staid,
level-headed,
dispassionate,
unruffled,
clear-headed,
unexcited,
grounded
in the sense of sound
Definition
showing good judgment or reasoning
They are trained nutritionists who can give sound advice on diets.
Synonyms
sensible,
wise,
reasonable,
right,
true,
responsible,
correct,
proper,
reliable,
valid,
orthodox,
rational,
logical,
prudent,
trustworthy,
well-founded,
level-headed,
right-thinking,
well-grounded,
grounded
in the sense of tangible
Definition
real or substantial
There is tangible evidence that the economy is starting to recover.
Synonyms
definite,
real,
positive,
solid,
material,
physical,
actual,
substantial (formal),
objective,
concrete,
evident,
manifest,
palpable,
discernible,
tactile,
perceptible,
corporeal,
touchable
in the sense of visible
Definition
able to be perceived by the mind
The meadows are hardly visible from the house.a visible effort to control himself