a sensitive understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensitive understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep or empathetic comprehension of a situation, emotion, or perspective. Example: "Her ability to connect with others on an emotional level demonstrates a sensitive understanding of their struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A sensitive understanding of the different managerial types, helps one to better understand the conflicts within any work environment.

WikiHow

But it can be ameliorated and assuaged by thoughtful management, sensitive oversight of cases and a sensitive understanding of the pressures colleagues sometimes work under".

The Guardian

But to make such distinctions requires a sensitive understanding of a building as an artistic unity, not as a set of materials.

The New York Times

The artist of the Jahāngīr period exhibited a sensitive understanding of human nature and an interest in the psychological subtleties of portraiture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's true that Obama has cited Chief Justice Earl Warren as a judicial ideal, emphasizing that Warren, a former governor of California, had a sensitive understanding of the real-world effects of Supreme Court decisions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Such a service requires many qualities, personal and professional: a detailed knowledge of books, periodicals, and all other forms of record; an ability to search efficiently in catalogs, indexes, abstracts, and databases; and, above all, a sensitive understanding of each user's needs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

If I'd had a more sensitive understanding of cooking I might have been able to feed him with more success.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Chandor, whose father worked in finance in New York, demonstrated a forceful and sensitive understanding of such things as the protocols of hierarchy in the financial world and the dramatic significance of decorum, diction, glances, silences.

The New Yorker

It is a mistake to assume that a man capable of the most sensitive understanding of the plight of one people must necessarily feel compassion for everyone.

The Guardian - Film

The French came much later than did many other countries to the discovery of the child as a figure worthy of the most sensitive understanding; that is what makes Père Castor so important.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They have this hard rock exterior, but there's this very sensitive understanding of the world around them.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sensitive understanding" when you want to emphasize both intellectual comprehension and emotional awareness of a subject. This phrase is especially useful when discussing interpersonal relationships, cultural nuances, or complex social issues.

Common error

While "a sensitive understanding" is a valuable phrase, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your prose sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, consider using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensitive understanding" functions as a noun phrase, where "sensitive" modifies the noun "understanding". It describes a particular quality or characteristic of someone's comprehension.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensitive understanding" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a deep and empathetic comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes both intellectual grasp and emotional awareness. Though not extremely common, the phrase appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. To ensure clarity and impact in your writing, use this phrase when you need to highlight a nuanced and considerate approach to understanding a subject or situation. Remember to vary your language and avoid overuse by considering alternative phrases like "an empathetic comprehension" or "a nuanced appreciation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an empathetic comprehension

Changes the focus to empathy, suggesting a deeper emotional connection.

a nuanced appreciation

Emphasizes a subtle and detailed understanding.

a perceptive awareness

Highlights the ability to notice and understand things others might miss.

a profound insight

Suggests a deep and significant understanding.

an acute sensitivity

Focuses on a heightened awareness and responsiveness.

a delicate awareness

Implies a fragile or vulnerable understanding.

a thoughtful grasp

Emphasizes the cognitive effort involved in understanding.

a considered interpretation

Highlights the process of careful analysis and understanding.

a compassionate insight

Focuses on understanding coupled with compassion.

a refined discernment

Suggests a highly developed ability to perceive and understand subtle differences.

FAQs

How can I use "a sensitive understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "a sensitive understanding" to describe someone's ability to deeply comprehend a situation or another person's feelings. For instance, "Her success as a therapist stems from her "a sensitive understanding" of human emotions".

What phrases are similar to "a sensitive understanding"?

Alternatives to "a sensitive understanding" include "an empathetic comprehension", "a nuanced appreciation", or "a perceptive awareness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a sensitive understanding"?

While generally appropriate, "a sensitive understanding" might be too verbose for very informal contexts. In such cases, simpler phrases like "understanding" or "awareness" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a sensitive understanding" and "an awareness"?

"An awareness" implies a basic recognition of something, while "a sensitive understanding" suggests a deeper, more nuanced comprehension that includes empathy and careful consideration. Therefore, "a sensitive understanding" is a more specific and descriptive phrase.