sensitise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sensitise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the process of making someone aware of and responsive to social or political issues. For example: "This kind of educational program can sensitise the youth to environmental issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

It was argued that nickel ions leaching out of the coins as they corroded would cause hand eczema in the 15% of women and 2% of men who are already allergic, and might sensitise more of the population to nickel as well.

The Economist

Even one exposure to PPD can sensitise a child and cause an allergic response on further use of a hair dye containing it.

Independent

The high temperatures involved in dry-roasting cause chemical changes that can sensitise the immune system to peanut proteins Sugar-free sweeteners could increase glucose intolerance and diabetes risk by affecting bacteria in the gut, a study has suggested.

Independent

"Our aim is to sensitise the film-makers to our concerns".

The Guardian

These are the kinds of games to sensitise children to animals," she says.

The Guardian

He told the British diplomats: "What we'll do is take these activists – young, enthusiastic, self-appointed, social-media-savvy, with considerable personal courage – and we'll sensitise them to the sort of evidence that is required to inform an international criminal case, so they're not running around collecting stuff that's of no use for a criminal process".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Highly sensitised to the whole notion of giving and helping, it seems she felt hounded by the volume of calls and letters (up to 260 a month).

The Guardian - Opinion

That village health teams, water source committees and farmer groups can do a lot once they are mobilised, sensitised and supported.

The Guardian

The effect would probably be weak, since those same brains are already exposed to alcohol and tobacco, which have the same sensitising effect.

The Economist

His sexual orientation may have sensitised him to the clash brewing between immigrant communities, who by and large reject European attitudes toward women and sexuality, and native Europeans for whom such cultural liberalism has become a core value.

The Economist

And over-sensitised by the numbers?—cAnd over-sensitisedchers are much likelier than they once were to spot and report signs of possibye abuse.And always read the small prinumbers

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sensitise" when you want to highlight making someone aware and responsive to an issue, particularly in social or political contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "sensitise" in purely technical contexts where "calibrate" or "adjust" might be more appropriate. "Sensitise" carries a connotation of emotional or social awareness, which might be lost in technical applications.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sensitise" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of making someone or something more sensitive or aware. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's often used in social or political contexts, emphasizing an increase in understanding and responsiveness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensitise" is a versatile verb used to describe making someone more aware and responsive to a particular issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, especially in news and media. While interchangeable with phrases like "raise awareness" or "increase sensitivity", it's crucial to consider the specific context to ensure accurate and impactful communication. Avoid overuse in technical contexts and be mindful of the British English spelling ("sensitise") versus the American English spelling ("sensitize"). Use "sensitise" effectively to promote understanding and action on important topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase sensitivity

Emphasizes heightened emotional or perceptive awareness.

raise awareness

Focuses on increasing general knowledge or understanding of an issue.

sharpen awareness

Suggests a more focused and acute understanding.

make conscious

Highlights bringing something into someone's awareness.

make aware

Highlights the act of informing someone about something.

awaken

Suggests stirring someone from a state of unawareness or apathy.

enlighten

Implies providing intellectual or spiritual insight.

educate

Involves a formal process of teaching and learning.

inform

Focuses on conveying factual information.

familiarize

Emphasizes making someone acquainted with something.

FAQs

How do you use "sensitise" in a sentence?

"Sensitise" is used to describe the process of making someone more aware of and responsive to something, especially social or political issues. For example, "Educational programs can "raise awareness" and "sensitise" people to environmental concerns".

What can I say instead of "sensitise"?

Alternatives to "sensitise" include "raise awareness", "increase sensitivity", or "make aware", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "sensitise" or "sensitize"?

"Sensitise" is the British English spelling, while "sensitize" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, but usage depends on the region and style guide you are following.

What's the difference between "sensitise" and "inform"?

"Inform" simply means to give someone information. "Sensitise", on the other hand, implies not only providing information but also making someone more aware, understanding, and responsive to an issue. It goes beyond just knowing to feeling and acting.