Sensitivity means being aware of and responsive to the feelings, needs, or situations of others. When you have sensitivity, you notice when your friend seems sad and ask if they're okay, or you realize that a joke might hurt someone's feelings before you tell it.

The word also describes how easily something responds to small changes or influences. A sensitive thermometer detects tiny temperature shifts. Sensitive skin reacts strongly to certain soaps or fabrics. In photography, film sensitivity determines how much light is needed to capture an image.

Someone described as sensitive might feel emotions deeply or get their feelings hurt more easily than others. This isn't weakness: sensitive people often make caring friends because they notice what others miss. But the word can also mean overly touchy, as when someone can't handle criticism without getting upset.

Sensitivity matters in surprising places. A violinist needs sensitivity in their fingertips to control the strings precisely. A doctor needs sensitivity to understand what patients are really worried about. Scientists measure the sensitivity of their instruments: how well they detect what they're looking for.

The opposite is insensitivity, being unaware or uncaring about how your actions affect others. When you show sensitivity, you're paying attention to the world around you and adjusting your behavior thoughtfully.