Insensible

Adjective

Definition: Lacking physical sensation or the power to feel or perceive.

Definition: Unconscious or unresponsive to stimuli.

Definition: Unaware or indifferent towards something.

Synonyms: Unconscious, Unfeeling, Numb, Unaware

Antonyms: Conscious, Sensitive, Responsive, Aware

Examples:
  • After the accident, he was completely insensible to pain.
  • The patient remained insensible throughout the surgery.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "in" which indicates a lack or negation, and "sensible" which implies sensory perception or awareness. Insensible means lacking sensory perception or awareness.
  • Insensible rhymes with "invisible," and someone who is insensible may appear invisible to the world because they are unresponsive or unaware.

Etymology:

Origin:

Latin "insensibilis," from "in-" (not) + "sensibilis" (capable of being felt)

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the 14th century with a similar meaning, indicating a lack of sensation or awareness.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Insensible to"

Explanation:

When someone is described as being insensible to something, it means they are unaffected or indifferent towards it. For example, "He remained insensible to her pleas for help."

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "insensible" with "insensitive".

Explanation:

While both words convey a lack of responsiveness or awareness, "insensible" specifically refers to the physical ability to feel or perceive, while "insensitive" refers more broadly to a lack of sensitivity or empathy towards others' feelings.

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