sensuous
|sen-su-ous|
/ˈsɛnʃuəs/
relating to or pleasing the senses
Etymology
'sensuous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'sensuosus', where 'sensus' meant 'feeling' (from the root 'sentire' meaning 'to feel').
'sensuous' changed from the Latin word 'sensuosus' (via Medieval/Church Latin and Old French influences such as 'sensueux') and eventually became the modern English word 'sensuous' in Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'full of feeling' or 'relating to feeling'; over time it evolved to mean 'relating to or pleasing the senses' and often 'giving sensual pleasure' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
noun form: 'sensuousness' — the quality or state of being sensuous (the tendency to seek pleasure through the senses).
The sensuousness of the music filled the room.
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Adjective 1
relating to or perceived by the senses; sensory (emphasis on impressions received through sight, touch, taste, smell, or hearing).
The sculpture's sensuous surface invited people to touch it.
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Adjective 2
giving pleasure to the senses; richly aesthetic or physically gratifying (often used for textures, forms, sounds; sometimes overlaps with 'sensual' but usually emphasizes aesthetic/pleasurable sensory quality rather than overt sexual connotation).
She loved the sensuous feel of the silk against her skin.
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Last updated: 2025/11/21 18:50