heightened sensitivity

USAGE SUMMARY

"heightened sensitivity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to an increased or greater level of sensitivity or awareness. You can use it in various contexts, such as discussing emotional or physical sensitivity, heightened awareness of a specific topic or issue, or a heightened sensitivity to certain stimuli. Example: After the accident, John's heightened sensitivity to loud noises made it difficult for him to function in noisy environments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Right now, British travellers have heightened sensitivity to risk.

Independent

The move reflected heightened sensitivity about accounting issues since the collapse of Enron.

The New York Times

The well-publicised G4S Olympics security fiasco has heightened sensitivity to the risks of outsourcing.

The Guardian

Low recombination proficiency score (RPS) predicts heightened sensitivity to DNA-damaging chemotherapy in breast cancer.

Nature

... After training with natural images, the neurons display heightened sensitivity to specific colors.

Yale University

This heightened sensitivity, experts say, may cause the intestinal tract to overreact, moving faster or slower than normal.

The New York Times - Health

Fibromyalgia patients typically lack restorative, or slow-wave, sleep, which can result in chronic fatigue and heightened sensitivity.

The New York Times - Health

It had been reported as a suspicious package, an unexpected benefit of subway riders' heightened sensitivity about safety.

The New York Times

As a result, heightened sensitivity and abnormal pain sensations occur in the surrounding skin.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

All North Koreans develop a heightened sensitivity to coded language, and they knew well enough to avoid it.

The New Yorker

Especially now, in a period of such heightened sensitivity you've seen the effects here.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing emotional responses or reactions, consider using "heightened sensitivity" to precisely convey an increased level of emotional awareness or reactivity. For example, "The therapy helped her manage her heightened sensitivity to criticism."

Common error

Avoid using "heightened sensitivity" when simple awareness or understanding is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or overly complex. Instead, opt for simpler terms like "increased awareness" or "greater understanding" when the context doesn't specifically require emphasizing an amplified or intensified response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heightened sensitivity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "heightened" modifies the noun "sensitivity". It describes an amplified or intensified state of awareness or responsiveness. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heightened sensitivity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes an amplified state of awareness or responsiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives exist, such as "increased awareness" or "acute perception", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. The phrase is generally formal, appearing most often in authoritative sources like The New York Times and academic publications. To best utilize this phrase, aim for precision and avoid overuse in contexts where simpler language suffices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heightened awareness

Similar meaning, but it's focused on the condition of knowing something.

intensified sensitivity

Focuses on the amplification of sensitivity, stressing its heightened level.

increased awareness

Focuses more on the cognitive aspect of being more conscious or informed.

amplified perception

Implies that the ability to perceive has become more intense or magnified.

acute perception

Emphasizes sharpness and clarity in sensory or intellectual understanding.

enhanced responsiveness

Highlights the ability to react more readily and effectively to stimuli.

exquisite sensitivity

Highlights the delicate and refined nature of the sensitivity.

exaggerated susceptibility

Suggests a greater likelihood of being affected negatively by something.

refined sensibility

Implies a delicate and cultivated appreciation of aesthetic or emotional values.

sharpened awareness

Conveys a sense of increased clarity and focus in one's understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "heightened sensitivity" in a sentence?

You can use "heightened sensitivity" to describe an increased awareness or responsiveness to stimuli. For instance, "The medication caused a heightened sensitivity to sunlight."

What are some alternatives to "heightened sensitivity"?

Alternatives include "increased awareness", "acute perception", or "enhanced responsiveness", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it grammatically correct to use "heightened sensitivity"?

Yes, "heightened sensitivity" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, as Ludwig AI confirms.

What's the difference between "heightened sensitivity" and "increased sensitivity"?

While similar, "heightened sensitivity" often implies a more intense or acute level of awareness than "increased sensitivity". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.