English edit

Etymology edit

sensitive +‎ -ness

Noun edit

sensitiveness (countable and uncountable, plural sensitivenesses)

  1. The quality or degree of being sensitive.
  2. The ability to perceive sensation.
  3. The ability to be aware of (and, usually, react with regard to) the feelings of others.
    • 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “Chapter XXI. Lady Marchmont’s Journal.”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. [], volume III, London: Henry Colburn, [], →OCLC, page 159:
      How wrong I was! wit, with him, was only the sparkle of the waters which hide precious things in the depths below. I can enter into the sensitiveness which is fain to keep that which it prizes most dearly, hidden from a cold and mocking world.

Synonyms edit

References edit

  • OED2