sensitive listener

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensitive listener" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is attentive and empathetic when listening to others, often in contexts involving emotional conversations or discussions. Example: "As a sensitive listener, she was able to provide comfort and understanding to her friends during difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If a serious and sensitive listener heeds Schopenhauer's advice and listens often to music with Schopenhauer's philosophy firmly in mind, and this listener is still not convinced by his theory, what then?

SEP

Out of love for each other our relationship can teach us how to be the most sensitive listener, the consummate lover, the most compassionate forgiver.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the Stein operas are different, as sensitive listeners have acknowledged.

The New Yorker

OPERA BAM: "IL MATRIMONIO SEGRETO" Though little-known today, the composer Domenico Cimarosa, a contemporary of Mozart, was a favorite of such sensitive listeners as Goethe and Stendhal.

The New Yorker

Because it was born from personal experience, Dilla grabbed the mic himself for his most lyrically charged piece, extending a caveat for sensitive listeners: "Any offended people, suck my balls".

The Guardian - Music

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet OPERA BAM: "IL MATRIMONIO SEGRETO" Though little-known today, the composer Domenico Cimarosa, a contemporary of Mozart, was a favorite of such sensitive listeners as Goethe and Stendhal.

The New Yorker

While avant-garde projects such as 2001's Colossus of Destiny proved too perversely indulgent for some sensitive listeners, and despite the odd mid-LP wobble such as 2013's screwball cover of 99 Bottles of Beer, they've recorded some of the heaviest and most rewarding rock of the last three decades.

The Guardian - Music

The debut recitals of teenage winners of the Young Concert Artists auditions over the years have aroused conflicted responses in sensitive listeners: an almost visceral thrill in seeing young musicians executing great technical feats but the nagging sense that these players have slipped too quickly into the pressures of adulthood.

The New York Times - Arts

Apparently, however, many serious and sensitive listeners and composers have been somewhat swayed by his account of music.

SEP

"For that, the listener must devote themselves to a sensitive listening, and they must take time.

Vice

She is a sensitive, patient listener who tends to defuse the heat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sensitive listener" to describe someone who not only hears the words being said, but also understands and acknowledges the emotions behind them.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being a "sensitive listener" means agreeing with everything the speaker says. It's about understanding their perspective, even if you don't share it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive listener" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective sensitive modifies the noun listener, describing a specific type of listener. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sensitive listener" is a grammatically correct and usable term that describes someone who listens with empathy and understanding. While not overly common, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriately used in diverse contexts, primarily within News & Media and Science. It suggests an active and emotionally intelligent approach to listening, where the individual is attuned to both the words and the underlying emotions. Alternative terms such as "empathetic listener" or "attentive listener" offer similar meanings, with slight differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, it's essential to remember that sensitivity in listening involves understanding, not necessarily agreement, and to avoid projecting personal biases onto the speaker's message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empathetic listener

Focuses on the listener's capacity for empathy and understanding of the speaker's feelings.

attentive listener

Highlights the listener's focus and engagement during the conversation.

compassionate listener

Emphasizes the listener's kindness and willingness to offer support.

understanding listener

Stresses the listener's ability to grasp the speaker's perspective.

perceptive listener

Highlights the listener's ability to discern subtle cues and unspoken messages.

thoughtful listener

Suggests that the listener reflects carefully on what is being said.

receptive listener

Implies the listener is open to new ideas and perspectives.

considerate listener

Emphasizes that the listener is respectful and mindful of the speaker's feelings.

careful listener

Highlights precision in understanding.

sympathetic listener

Highlights that a listener shares the feelings of another.

FAQs

How can I be a more "sensitive listener"?

Focus on actively engaging with the speaker by asking clarifying questions, paying attention to non-verbal cues, and reflecting on the emotions conveyed. Try to understand the speaker's perspective without judgment.

What's the difference between an "attentive listener" and a "sensitive listener"?

An "attentive listener" focuses on hearing and understanding the words, while a "sensitive listener" also focuses on the emotions and underlying meaning. Sensitivity adds an emotional intelligence component to the act of listening.

When is it appropriate to use the term "sensitive listener"?

Use "sensitive listener" when describing someone who is particularly attuned to the emotional state of the speaker and responds with empathy and understanding. It's suitable in contexts where emotional intelligence is valued.

What are some qualities of a "sensitive listener"?

Key qualities include empathy, patience, non-judgment, and the ability to create a safe and supportive space for the speaker to express themselves. They also tend to be good at reading non-verbal cues and responding appropriately.