sensitively

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sensitively" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is attuned to the emotions of others or something that needs to be handled with care and attention. For example: "The teacher handled the situation sensitively, ensuring that all of the student's feelings were taken into account."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it has been sensitively handled and is obviously faithful to what we said.

The Guardian - Film

This sensitively converted townhouse is a 45-minute drive inland from Valencia and half an hour from the beaches of Tavernes and Gandía.

The Guardian - Travel

The biography sensitively uncovers the facts of an unusual life that Fitzgerald was reticent about and reveals the voluminous research she undertook, then used economically in novels that appear simple on the surface but are complex masterpieces.

The Guardian - Books

Her second book, What Happened to Daddy's Body?, also deals directly and sensitively with the realities of burial and cremation.

The Guardian - Books

It's very clear in the review, if some of the fringe players who get so much media would just bother to read a page or two of the review, they'd understand it's for vulnerable Australians very sensitively".

The Guardian

This isn't the discredited "bush tucker" days of the 80s and 90s, saltwater crocodile and red kangaroo are used sensitively upstairs on the Orana tasting menu or in the casual Street bar downstairs as croc dogs, hop dogs or carpaccio.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She says: "This is obviously a piece of work that would have to be done sensitively.

The Guardian

Joe (sensitively played by George MacKay) is a sixth-former, a suburban mouse discovering his sexuality (to cover for absences from home when he is with LGSM, he tells his folks he is doing a choux pastry course).

The Guardian - Film

It is vital, say campaigners, that if a large number of people are to be moved back from long-stay units in a relatively short period, that the process is carefully and sensitively supported.

The Guardian

Again, this help needs to be offered very sensitively.

The Guardian - Opinion

Webb's book, about a little girl who's lost her grandad, deals sensitively with the discomfort of grief's etiquette, too: Kate is bemused by adult mourners laughing at fond memories, unsure whether and when she is allowed to feel happy.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sensitively", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being handled or considered with sensitivity. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "sensitively" without clearly defining what the subject is being sensitive to. For instance, instead of saying "The issue was handled sensitively", specify "The issue of employee layoffs was handled sensitively by offering generous severance packages."

Linguistic Context

The word "sensitively" functions primarily as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it indicates that something is done with care, empathy, and awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensitively" functions as an adverb, describing actions performed with care, empathy, and awareness. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. As evidenced by Ludwig examples from sources like The Guardian and The Economist, "sensitively" is frequently used in News & Media and Encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being treated with sensitivity. Alternative phrases include "with sensitivity", "thoughtfully", and "tactfully". This makes "sensitively" a versatile and valuable term for expressing consideration in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with sensitivity

This phrase replaces the adverb with a prepositional phrase, focusing on the presence of sensitivity as a quality.

with care

This phrase emphasizes the cautious and attentive manner in which something is done.

with consideration

This phrase highlights the thoughtfulness and empathy involved in the action.

thoughtfully

This adverb focuses on the mental process of considering the impact of one's actions.

carefully

This adverb stresses the attention to detail and avoidance of mistakes.

tactfully

This adverb suggests skill in dealing with delicate situations to avoid causing offense.

discreetly

This adverb implies acting in a way that avoids attracting attention or causing embarrassment.

judiciously

This adverb suggests using good judgment and wisdom in handling a situation.

circumspectly

This adverb emphasizes being wary and unwilling to take risks.

astutely

This adverb highlights cleverness and shrewdness in understanding and addressing a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "sensitively" in a sentence?

"Sensitively" is an adverb that describes how an action is performed with care and awareness of others' feelings. For example, "The therapist spoke "sensitively" about the patient's trauma".

What are some alternatives to using "sensitively"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "with care", "thoughtfully", or "tactfully" instead of "sensitively".

Is it better to say "handle with sensitivity" or "handle sensitively"?

"Handle with sensitivity" and "handle sensitively" are both correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Handle with sensitivity" emphasizes the quality of sensitivity, while "handle sensitively" emphasizes the manner in which the handling is done. They are largely interchangeable.

What does it mean to handle something "sensitively"?

To handle something "sensitively" means to approach it with care, empathy, and awareness of potential emotional or ethical implications. This often involves being considerate of others' feelings and avoiding actions that could cause harm or offense.