sensitize - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
sensitize Word Meanings
- to make someone aware of something
- to make sensitive or responsive
- to increase awareness or reaction
sensitize Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
sensitize Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsɛn.sɪ.taɪz/
US
/ˈsɛn.sə.taɪz/
sensitize Word Etymology
Root: 'sens-' (to feel) + suffix '-itize' (to make). Historical origin: Latin 'sensibilis' to Old French 'sensibiliser' to English. Memory image: Visualize a person getting a heartwarming message, becoming aware and sensitive to emotions around them.
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
Sensitize means to make someone more aware of something or to increase their sensitivity or readiness to respond. In English, it is often used with to or about: to sensitize people to a problem, to sensitize audiences to risks, or to sensitize a system to a potential issue. The concept emphasizes awareness and responsiveness rather than strong emotion; it can apply to information, health, or safety campaigns. Learners often confuse it with simply becoming more emotional or with adjectives like sensitive. They may misplace the to-infinitive or assume it only refers to emotional sensitivity. Typical collocations include sensitize to, sensitize people, and sensitization programs.
Usage Reminders
- Know the common collocations: sensitize to, sensitize people, sensitize audiences. Remember to follow with to or about. Distinguish from 'become sensitive' and avoid emotional-only senses. Use in health, safety, or information contexts. Passive form is possible: be sensitized by exposure. Pair with verbs like educate, inform, alert. Check tone: neutral, not alarmist.
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking sensitize for make someone emotionally sensitive
- Thinking it only refers to emotional readiness
- Forgetting to use the to-/about- structure
- Confusing with 'sensitize' as a passive recipient only
- Misplacing the object of sensitize (to vs about)
Thinking Differences
In English, sensitize centers on awareness and quick, proactive responses. Learners tend to misread it as emotional sensitivity or confuse it with becoming more sensitive in general, which leads to awkward phrasing like 'sensitize to feelings' instead of 'sensitize to a problem'.
Learning Tips
- Learn the to/about patterns with sensitize in common contexts (health, safety, policy).
- Pair with verbs like educate, inform, alert to reinforce meaning.
- Practice active voice: be sensitized by exposure vs sensitizing people to a problem.
- Notice collocations: sensitize to a problem; sensitization campaigns.
- Compare with make someone more aware without emotional implication.
- Use real-world examples and news headlines to see usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'sensitize'?
A.To ignore completely
B.To make sensitive
C.To confuse someone
D.To strengthen resolve
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'sensitize' correctly?
A.We need to sensitize the community about environmental issues.
B.I will sensitize the coffee to make it taste better.
C.She decided to sensitize her computer by installing new software.
D.They were asked to sensitize the vitamin for better absorption.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'sensitize'?
A.Pacify
B.Frighten
C.Awaken
D.Neglect
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'sensitize'?
A.Ignore
B.Desensitize
C.Enhance
D.Inspire
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where you might need to sensitize someone?
A.People often desensitize to loud noises over time.
B.It is essential to ignore criticisms to stay focused.
C.Some workshops aim to sensitize participants to social issues.
D.In training, we sometimes ignore important details.
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