sense meaning and definition

SENSE noun

Definition of sense (noun)

1. a general conscious awareness
   • "a sense of security"; "a sense of happiness"; "a sense of danger"; "a sense of self"
2. the meaning of a word or expression; the way in which a word or expression or situation can be interpreted
   • "the dictionary gave several senses for the word"; "in the best sense charity is really a duty"; "the signifier is linked to the signified"
   • synonyms: signified
3. the faculty through which the external world is apprehended
   • "in the dark he had to depend on touch and on his senses of smell and hearing"
   • synonyms: sensation, sensory faculty, sentience, sentiency
4. sound practical judgment
   • "Common sense is not so common"; "he hasn't got the sense God gave little green apples"; "fortunately she had the good sense to run away"
   • synonyms: common sense, good sense, gumption, horse sense, mother wit
5. a natural appreciation or ability
   • "a keen musical sense"; "a good sense of timing"

SENSE verb

Definition of sense (verb)

1. perceive by a physical sensation, e.g., coming from the skin or muscles
   • "He felt the wind"; "She felt an object brushing her arm"; "He felt his flesh crawl"; "She felt the heat when she got out of the car"
   • synonyms: feel
2. detect some circumstance or entity automatically
   • "This robot can sense the presence of people in the room"; "particle detectors sense ionization"
3. become aware of not through the senses but instinctively
   • "I sense his hostility"; "i smell trouble"; "smell out corruption"
   • synonyms: smell, smell out
4. comprehend
   • "I sensed the real meaning of his letter"