sen
si
tive
ly
1
in a way that shows empathy or attentiveness to how others feel
- She spoke sensitively to the grieving parents.
- The teacher dealt sensitively with the student's embarrassment.
- He handled the topic of illness very sensitively.
- They sensitively asked about her condition without pressing.
- The counselor listened sensitively to the patient's concerns.
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2
in a way that reacts to minor environmental or situational changes
- The equipment is designed to function sensitively in extreme temperatures.
- Some animals respond sensitively to shifts in atmospheric pressure.
- The microphone picked up the faintest sounds sensitively.
- Plants grow differently when they react sensitively to light.
- The skin around her eyes bruises sensitively.
3
in a way that respects privacy, confidentiality, or secrecy
- The documents will be handled sensitively and securely.
- She ensured the subject's identity was treated sensitively.
- All complaints are addressed sensitively and discreetly.
- He spoke sensitively about the ongoing investigation.
- The data must be stored and used sensitively.
4
in a way that reflects deep feeling or refined artistic expression
- She paints landscapes sensitively and vividly.
- The piece was interpreted sensitively by the pianist.
- He writes sensitively about grief and longing.
- The film portrays its characters sensitively.
- She danced sensitively, capturing the emotion of the music.
5
set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire