Sense
UK /["/sens/"]/US /["/sens/"]/
Definition
an understanding about something; an ability to judge something
In simple words: One of the five ways to feel things (like sight or touch).
Examples
- It makes perfect sense that he would want to help his friend.
- The story has a deeper sense that many readers might miss.
- You should trust your sense of direction when hiking.
- After thinking it through, I realized it doesn't make sense.
- She has a great sense of humor that makes everyone laugh.
- In the context of the lesson, sense refers to understanding.
- He lost his sense of taste when he was sick.
Usage notes
Use 'sense' to describe perception through sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing feelings or awareness. Avoid using it in overly casual or slang contexts.
Grammar pattern
sense + object
Memory hint
Think of 'sense' as your 'sixth sense' – like a superhero feeling danger.
Collocations
- good
- great
- wonderful
- have
- sense of
- complete
- perfect
- good
- have
- display
- show
- sense in
- have more money than sense
- make little sense
- (not) an ounce of sense
- broad
- loose
- wide
- have
- in a sense
- in every sense of the word
- in a very real sense
- in the true sense of the word
- acute
- developed
- good
- have
- lose
- heighten
- tell somebody
- reel
- swim
- organ
- through the senses
- the five senses
- the sense of hearing
- the sense of sight
- deep
- great
- keen
- experience
- feel
- have
- sense of
- a false sense of security
- come to
- regain
- take leave of
Synonyms
- perception
- feeling
- awareness
- sensation
- impression
Antonyms
- nonsense
- incomprehension
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'scent' when referring to smell.
- Using 'sense' as a verb when it should be a noun.
- Misunderstanding the plural form; 'senses' should reference multiple types.