hypersensitive - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hypersensitive Word Meanings
- excessively sensitive to stimuli
- overly responsive to emotional or physical cues
- intensely affected by environmental changes
hypersensitive Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hypersensitive Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌhaɪpəˈsɛntɪv/
US
/ˌhaɪpərˈsɛntɪv/
hypersensitive Word Etymology
(hypersensitive) hyper- (over, beyond) + sensitive (capable of feeling). Origin: Greek → Latin → English. Imagine a flower that wilts at the slightest touch, illustrating extreme sensitivity to its environment.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Hypersensitive describes a person or thing that reacts far beyond what most would consider normal sensitivity. It can refer to emotional reactions to criticism or rejection, or physical responses to sounds, lights, smells, or weather changes. In everyday speech, someone might say a child is hypersensitive to bright lights or a colleague is hypersensitive to feedback. The term can carry a sense of critique, implying the reaction is excessive, but also captures real heightened perception in certain contexts. The image is like a flower that wilts at the slightest touch, illustrating extreme sensitivity to the environment.
Usage Reminders
- Use hypersensitive with to + noun or to + adjective, as in hypersensitive to noise. Avoid overusing it for everyday disagreements. It often labels a reaction as excessive, so choose tone carefully. It can describe people or objects with heightened perception. Pair with context to avoid sounding insulting. Not every sensitive feeling is hypersensitive; reserve for extreme cases.
Common Misconceptions
- It only refers to emotions, not physical reactions.
- It means a clinical or medical condition in all cases.
- It makes someone weak or fragile.
- It can only describe people, not objects or systems.
- It is interchangeable with very or extremely.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often distinguish hypersensitive as a vivid, sometimes critique-laden way to describe extreme perception, whereas many other languages may use a term that sounds more neutral or clinical. Learners should notice tone and context cues: in casual speech it can feel judgmental, while in technical writing it can be straightforward.
Learning Tips
- Pair hypersensitive with to + noun (hypersensitive to noise) for accurate description.
- Use collocations like hypersensitive to criticism or hypersensitive skin.
- Avoid overusing in casual disagreement; reserve for extreme sensitivity.
- Compare with sensitive to show degree: very sensitive, extremely sensitive, hyper-aware.
- Practice tonal cues to avoid sounding judgmental.
- Read contexts with adjectives that soften or intensify the sense.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'hypersensitive' mean?
A.Being overly joyful
B.Having a strong sense of taste
C.Unusually responsive to emotional or physical stimuli
D.Exhibiting indifference
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'hypersensitive' correctly?
A.She felt hypersensitive to the critic's comments during the meeting.
B.The cake was hypersensitive to the heat and melted.
C.He is hypersensitive about his weight and often diet.
D.The garden plants were hypersensitive to the sound of the wind.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a word that is similar to 'hypersensitive'?
A.Emotional
B.Indifferent
C.Calm
D.Stable
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'hypersensitive'?
A.Emotionally aware
B.Apathetic
C.Responsive
D.Sensitive
Step 5: Mastery
Can you provide an example of a real-life context for being hypersensitive?
A.She ignored the rude remark and didn't let it bother her.
B.During stressful times, he tends to be hypersensitive to criticism.
C.He often cries at movies, showing how sensitive he is about love stories.
D.They laughed off their friend's comments and moved on.
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