sensual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is related to or arouses physical pleasure, particularly in a sexual context. Example: "The artist's work is known for its sensual curves and vibrant colors that evoke deep emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't gauge whether this film is erotic or unerotic, but it is sensual.

The Guardian - Film

Even better is Just a Touch, with Aluna's vocal sounding sensual and sad.

The Guardian - Music

Reinterpretations of this 1912 ballet have ranged from Jerome Robbin's 1953 duet to the sensual faux-simplicity of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui's 2009 Faun.

The Guardian

I don't know if it was conductor Thomas Blunt's sensual speeds or not, but I found myself hearing just how much Verdi gently parodies Wagner in his music.

The Guardian - Music

When we got round to "casser la croûte" after leaving the soup "pie" for about 20 minutes in the oven at 220C, the flavours burst open into the air in an intoxicating shower of deep, sensual aromas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Once in a while, the reader is taken unawares by the author's reverting to standard English, especially in the lyrical "stream of consciousness" passages that describe the coming of summer and its sensual and sensory beauties.

The Guardian - Books

Whishaw will play Dionysus, the wild and sensual god who comes into friction with the sober king Pentheus, played by Bertie Carvel, known for his role as the Trunchbull in Matilda.

The Guardian

Odette is the gentle, yielding white swan; Odile is her alter ego, the sensual, calculating black swan.

The Guardian

In all the explicitly sexual poses xthat he draws, Schiele introduces this element: time and again one senses him looking for the artistic dividend after the primal sensual motivation, searching for the way to make these intensely personal studio drawings function more properly as works of art.

The Guardian - Arts

"Although there are many of the same themes there, such as the importance of fairytales and the sceptical treatment of the relationships between men and women, and language that is very sensual, there is definitely an intensity that her fans will recognise".

The Guardian - Books

Ms Ong's work is marked by a look at that is both sensual and feminine.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sensual" to evoke a strong sense of sensory pleasure and heightened experience. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "sensual" when you mean simply "sensory." "Sensual" carries a connotation of pleasure and is often associated with eroticism, while "sensory" refers to any input from the senses.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "sensual" primarily functions to describe something that evokes or pertains to the senses, particularly in a pleasurable or erotic way. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns such as "experience", "aromas", and "god", highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "sensual" is frequently used to describe something that strongly appeals to or is related to the senses, often with connotations of pleasure or eroticism. According to Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, and its usage spans from describing aesthetic experiences to qualities of a person or object. When employing "sensual", it's crucial to consider the potential erotic implications and ensure the context aligns with the intended tone. Alternatives such as "sensuous" or "erotic" can be used depending on the desired nuance. While "sensual" is prevalent in both formal and informal settings, clarity and consideration of the audience are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensuous

Emphasizes aesthetic and sensory pleasure, focusing on the experience of beauty and enjoyment.

erotic

Strongly implies sexual arousal or desire, focusing on explicit sexual content.

voluptuous

Suggests a full, curvaceous figure that is pleasing to the senses, particularly visual and tactile.

hedonistic

Highlights the pursuit of pleasure and self-indulgence, often implying a lifestyle centered around sensual experiences.

luxurious

Focuses on opulence and comfort, emphasizing the sensory pleasure derived from rich and elaborate experiences.

tactile

Relates specifically to the sense of touch, emphasizing the physical sensation and texture.

palpable

Implies a strong and noticeable presence that can be felt or sensed, emphasizing the intensity of the experience.

enticing

Suggests an alluring or tempting quality, drawing attention and desire through sensory appeal.

alluring

Highlights the attractiveness and charm that captivates the senses, drawing one in through sensory appeal.

delightful

Focuses on the pleasurable and enjoyable aspects of sensory experiences, emphasizing the feeling of happiness and satisfaction.

FAQs

How can I use "sensual" in a sentence?

Use "sensual" to describe something that appeals strongly to the senses and evokes pleasure, such as "The spa offered a "sensual experience" with aromatherapy and relaxing music."

What words can I use instead of "sensual"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "sensual" include "sensuous", "erotic", "voluptuous", or "luxurious".

What is the difference between "sensual" and "sensuous"?

"Sensual" typically implies a direct appeal to the physical senses, often with an erotic connotation. "Sensuous" is broader, referring to aesthetic or sensory pleasure without necessarily implying sexuality. Thus, one can speak of "sensuous music", while the more appropriate word to describe "sensual massage" might be "sensual".

Is it appropriate to use "sensual" in formal writing?

The appropriateness of using "sensual" in formal writing depends on the context. While it can be suitable when describing experiences or objects that evoke strong sensory pleasure, be cautious of its potential erotic connotations, especially in professional or academic contexts.