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sensible and sensitive

A sensible person has common sense, and does not make stupid decisions.

  • ‘I want to buy that dress.’ ‘Be sensible, dear. It’s much too expensive.’

A sensitive person feels things easily or deeply, and may be easily hurt.

  • Don’t shout at her – she’s very sensitive. (not … very sensible.)
  • Have you got a sun cream for sensitive skin? (not … for sensible skin?)

Sensible is a ‘false friend’ – similar words in some languages mean ‘sensitive’.