insensibly
|in-sen-si-bly|
/ɪnˈsɛnsəbli/
(insensible)
unaware or indifferent
Etymology
'insensibly' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'insensibilis', where the prefix 'in-' meant 'not' and the root 'sens-' (from 'sensus'/'sentire') meant 'feeling'.
'insensibilis' passed into Medieval Latin and Old French forms and into Middle English as 'insensible' (adjective); the adverb 'insensibly' was later formed from the adjective plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'.
Initially, the related adjective meant 'not capable of feeling' or 'not perceptive'; over time the adverb developed senses of both 'in a way that is not perceived' (almost imperceptibly) and 'in a way lacking feeling' (unfeelingly).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a way that is gradual and hardly noticeable; almost imperceptibly.
The room grew warmer insensibly as the sun climbed higher in the sky.
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Adverb 2
in a way that shows lack of feeling or sensitivity; unfeelingly or without awareness of sensory input.
He answered insensibly, as if he had not heard the hurt in her voice.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/17 04:51