What does “sensible” mean?
Sensible is an adjective with two closely related everyday uses. It can mean showing good judgment or being based on practical reasoning: a sensible decision. It can also mean practical and suitable for a purpose, especially of clothing or objects: sensible shoes. Cambridge Dictionary gives both meanings and examples such as a sensible approach and sensible clothes. Cambridge Dictionary: sensible.
The word usually expresses approval: a sensible plan seems reasonable for the circumstances. It does not mean that the plan is exciting, guaranteed to work, or the only possible choice. A sensible option is one that fits the needs and available information.
“Sensible” in example sentences
Here are varied examples that show how sensible works with decisions, people, advice, and practical things:
- It was sensible to save a copy of the report before editing it.
- Our guide suggested a sensible route that avoided the closed bridge.
- After comparing the costs, the family chose a sensible budget.
- Rina made the sensible decision to call ahead and confirm the appointment.
- That is a sensible question to ask before signing the agreement.
- The sensible thing to do was wait until the storm passed.
- He offered a sensible explanation for arriving late.
- We packed sensible clothes for the cold, rainy forecast.
- Those sturdy shoes are sensible for a long walk on uneven paths.
- Her sensible advice helped the team focus on what they could finish.
- The committee reached a sensible compromise after hearing both sides.
- Even in a hurry, they took sensible precautions around the machinery.
When the adjective describes a person, it suggests that the person tends to think carefully or make reasonable choices: He is sensible about spending. When it describes a particular choice, it evaluates that choice in its context: It was sensible to bring water on the hike.
How to use sensible grammatically
Sensible is an adjective. It can appear directly before a noun (a sensible answer) or after a linking verb such as be, seem, or sound (the answer seems sensible). It can also follow a linking verb when describing a person: The new manager is sensible. The adverb form is sensibly: She sensibly checked the opening hours first.
Common patterns include a sensible decision/choice/approach, sensible advice, sensible shoes/clothes, and it is sensible to do something. For example: “It would be sensible to leave early” and “They made a sensible choice.”
Sensible or sensitive?
Sensible means practical or showing good judgment. Sensitive can mean easily affected, responsive to other people’s feelings, or needing careful treatment. The spelling is similar, but the words are not interchangeable. Cambridge Grammar specifically warns English learners about this distinction. Cambridge Grammar: sensitive or sensible?
| Meaning you want | Example | Why this word fits |
|---|---|---|
| Practical judgment | It was sensible to check the weather. | Checking helps someone make a reasonable plan. |
| Easily hurt by criticism | He is sensitive to criticism. | This describes an emotional reaction. |
| Practical for a purpose | Wear sensible shoes on the trail. | The shoes are suitable for walking. |
| Responsive to another person’s feelings | She gave a sensitive response. | The response shows care and awareness. |
There is also a formal phrase sensible of, meaning aware of something: “He was sensible of the risks.” In ordinary writing, aware of is often clearer. Do not use sensible to when you mean “easily affected by”; say sensitive to noise, for example.
Common usage questions
Does sensible mean smart?
It can suggest good judgment, but it is not a direct synonym for intelligence. A sensible choice is practical and reasonable in its context; a person can be intelligent and still make an impractical decision.
Can I call a person sensible?
Yes. It means the person generally shows good judgment or acts practically: “Maya is sensible about money.” It is a description of behavior, not a measure of intelligence.
Is “sensible to wear a coat” correct?
Yes, though “It is sensible to wear a coat” is a more complete sentence. You can also say “Wearing a coat is sensible in cold weather.”
What is the adverb form?
The adverb is sensibly: “They sensibly brought a map.” Use sensible to describe a noun or subject, and sensibly to describe how an action is done.
What is the opposite of sensible?
Depending on context, possible opposites include unwise, impractical, or foolish. Choose the antonym that matches the meaning: an impractical pair of shoes is not necessarily a foolish person.
Sources
The original set of 21 examples and its usage notes are preserved below. The added guide clarifies the two common meanings, sentence patterns, and the distinction between sensible and sensitive.
“Sensible” is a word that describes something practical, reasonable, or showing good judgment. When someone is sensible, they make wise decisions based on logic and sound thinking. In everyday conversations, describing a person or choice as sensible can convey a sense of reliability and level-headedness.
Using “sensible” in a sentence can help clarify the rationality or practicality of a situation. It’s a versatile word that can be applied to choices, actions, or even individuals who demonstrate thoughtfulness and good decision-making skills. Let’s explore different ways to incorporate “sensible” into sentences to effectively communicate a message of reason and practicality.
7 Examples Of Sensible Used In a Sentence For Kids
- Eating fruits and vegetables every day is sensible for a healthy body.
- Listening to the teacher in class is sensible to learn new things.
- Sharing toys with friends is sensible and kind.
- Brushing your teeth before bed is sensible for good oral hygiene.
- Using kind words when speaking to others is sensible and polite.
- Holding hands while crossing the road is sensible for safety.
- Tidying up your room after playing is sensible to keep it neat.
14 Sentences with Sensible Examples
- Sensible time management is crucial for balancing studies, extracurricular activities, and personal life in college.
- It is sensible to seek guidance from seniors or professors when faced with academic challenges.
- Setting a sensible budget for expenses such as books, food, and transportation is important for college students.
- Prioritizing assignments based on deadlines and importance is a sensible approach to avoid last-minute stress.
- Developing good study habits, such as creating a study schedule and finding a quiet place to concentrate, is a sensible way to excel in academics.
- It is sensible to attend career fairs and networking events to explore job opportunities and build connections for the future.
- Making sensible choices about food and exercise can contribute to overall well-being and productivity in college.
- Utilizing campus resources like libraries, study groups, and tutoring services is a sensible way to enhance academic performance.
- Creating a sensible plan for internships or practical training can help students gain valuable experience in their field of study.
- Forming sensible study groups with classmates can facilitate collaboration, understanding, and retention of course material.
- Seeking mental health support or counseling services when feeling overwhelmed or stressed is a sensible step to take care of one’s well-being.
- It is sensible to participate in extracurricular activities that align with personal interests and career goals to develop skills and network with like-minded individuals.
- Investing in a sensible wardrobe for professional events, presentations, and interviews can leave a lasting impression on potential employers.
- Engaging in open communication with professors about coursework, deadlines, and expectations is a sensible way to clarify doubts and perform well academically.
How To Use Sensible in Sentences?
To use the word Sensible in a sentence, you should first understand its meaning. Sensible is an adjective that describes someone who is practical, reasonable, and makes good decisions based on sound judgment.
Here is a simple guide on how to correctly use Sensible in a sentence:
- Identify a situation where someone is demonstrating practicality, reasonableness, or good judgment.
- Think of a sentence that describes this situation using the word Sensible.
- Place the word Sensible in the appropriate position in your sentence. It often comes before a noun to describe it.
- Make sure that your sentence makes sense grammatically and contextually.
For example, “She made a Sensible decision to save money for a rainy day.”
In this sentence, “She” is the subject, “made” is the verb, “a Sensible decision” is the object of the verb, and “to save money for a rainy day” provides further context. The word Sensible is used to describe the nature of the decision made by “She.”
By following these steps, you can effectively incorporate the word Sensible into your sentences to accurately convey the idea of being practical, reasonable, or showing good judgement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, constructing sentences with sensible structure and content is crucial for effective communication. By using sensible sentences, individuals can convey their thoughts clearly and help ensure their message is easily understood. Whether in formal writing or casual conversation, the use of sensible sentences can enhance the overall impact of one’s communication.
Furthermore, employing sensible sentences not only showcases a command of language but also reflects one’s thoughtfulness and organization. It is important to consider the audience when crafting sentences to ensure they are appropriate and meaningful. Overall, incorporating sensible sentences in communication can lead to better comprehension, clarity, and ultimately more successful interactions.
