sensuousness
|sen-su-ous-ness|
🇺🇸
/ˈsɛnʃuəsnəs/
🇬🇧
/ˈsɛnjʊəsnəs/
sensory pleasure
Etymology
'sensuousness' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'sensus', where 'sensus' meant 'feeling'. The adjective 'sensuous' comes via Late Latin sensuosus (sensus + -osus) and Old French sensueux; the noun was formed in English with the suffix '-ness'.
'sensuousness' changed from Late Latin 'sensuosus' (from 'sensus' + the adjectival suffix '-osus'), into Old French 'sensueux', then Middle English 'sensuous', and eventually modern English 'sensuousness' by adding the noun-forming suffix '-ness'.
Initially it meant 'perceptible by the senses' or 'full of feeling', but over time it has come to emphasize 'giving or relating to sensory pleasure' and sometimes 'sensuality' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being sensuous; perceived by or affecting the senses, often in a way that gives physical or aesthetic pleasure.
Many praised the painting for its sensuousness and rich texture.
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Noun 2
the pursuit or enjoyment of sensory pleasures; sensual enjoyment or indulgence.
His poetry often celebrates the sensuousness of everyday experience.
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Last updated: 2025/11/21 18:08