refined sensibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refined sensibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a sophisticated and delicate understanding or appreciation of art, culture, or emotions. Example: "Her refined sensibility allows her to appreciate the subtleties in classical music that others might overlook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

It's straight out of the pages of French Vogue and Harper's Bazaar in the '70s, when all was refined sensibility, and Mr. Richardson was in his glory.

The New York Times

He has incorporated about 100 works by Noguchi into a series of distracting theatrical environments -- including sound and disorienting lighting -- that have far more to do with his own proclivities for Pop-surrealist thanter than with Noguchi's exquisitely refined sensibility.

The New York Times - Arts

Her eyes expressed a very refined sensibility.

The Guardian - Film

Elegance in art has more to do with decorum, good taste and refined sensibility.

The New York Times - Arts

Nervous maladies like madness, melancholia and hysteria were regarded as signs of the refined sensibility characteristic of artists and aristocrats.

The New York Times - Style

The painter James McNeill Whistler raised the movement's ideal of the cultivation of refined sensibility to perhaps its highest point.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

He was, famously, the white boy from Tupelo, Miss., who sang like a black boy and who shocked refined sensibilities by moving, as Time magazine observed in 1956, "as if he had swallowed a jackhammer".

The New York Times

Looking back over his previous collections, you can see a witty, sexy and spirited aesthetic evolving, but, crucially, with a carefully refined commercial sensibility.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Morandi developed an intimate approach to art that, directed by a highly refined formal sensibility, gave his quiet landscapes and disarmingly simple still-life compositions a delicacy of tone and extraordinary subtlety of design.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inevitably, one is reminded of Brontë novels such as Jane Eyre and Agnes Grey, and the play is clearly about the clash between a refined poetic sensibility and a boorish, as well as Boer-ish, brutality.

The Guardian

Later Ms. Dench's fierce precision suggests the joy of refining her sensibility, particularly in the fussy wrestling match she has with her husband, the dotty and much softer critic John Bayley Jim Broadbentt).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refined sensibility" when you want to emphasize a cultivated and nuanced understanding or appreciation of art, culture, or emotions. It suggests a level of sophistication and taste developed through experience and learning.

Common error

Avoid using "refined sensibility" when you simply mean someone is sensitive. The phrase implies a cultivated and sophisticated level of perception, not just a general emotional responsiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refined sensibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a sophisticated and cultivated ability to perceive and appreciate subtle qualities, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refined sensibility" is a noun phrase used to describe a sophisticated and cultivated ability to perceive and appreciate subtle qualities. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news media and encyclopedias. When writing, use it to emphasize a high level of aesthetic or emotional awareness, but avoid confusing it with simple sensitivity. Alternatives include "cultivated taste" or "sophisticated discernment". The phrase is suitable for formal writing and conveys a sense of elegance and discernment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivated taste

Emphasizes the learned and developed aspect of good taste.

exquisite perception

Highlights the delicate and keen nature of sensory or emotional understanding.

sophisticated discernment

Focuses on the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.

delicate sensitivity

Stresses the responsiveness and subtlety of emotional reactions.

heightened awareness

Underscores an elevated level of consciousness and understanding.

subtle appreciation

Highlights a deep and nuanced understanding of value or beauty.

acute understanding

Emphasizes a sharp and insightful grasp of complex matters.

polished sensibility

Conveys a sense of elegance and sophistication in feeling or taste.

discerning palate

Specifically refers to a refined ability to distinguish flavors and qualities.

sensitive nature

Indicates an inherent quality of being emotionally perceptive and responsive.

FAQs

How can I use "refined sensibility" in a sentence?

You can use "refined sensibility" to describe someone who has a delicate appreciation for art, music, or literature. For example: "Her refined sensibility allowed her to appreciate the nuances of the classical symphony."

What is a synonym for "refined sensibility"?

Synonyms for "refined sensibility" include "cultivated taste", "sophisticated discernment", and "exquisite perception". Each emphasizes a particular aspect of heightened perception or appreciation.

Is it appropriate to use "refined sensibility" in formal writing?

Yes, "refined sensibility" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a sophisticated phrase that conveys a high degree of taste and understanding, suitable for academic or literary contexts.

What is the difference between "refined sensibility" and "heightened awareness"?

"Refined sensibility" implies a cultivated appreciation for art, culture, or emotions, while "heightened awareness" suggests an increased sensitivity to one's surroundings or inner state. The former is more specific to aesthetic or emotional judgment.