Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: Sensibility

Episode Date: December 6, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Episode Overview

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day explores the word sensibility—its definitions, nuances, and literary uses, particularly referencing Jane Austen. Host Peter Sokolowski breaks down the word's meanings, usage in popular culture and literature, and offers engaging examples to illustrate its depth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to "Sensibility" [00:42]

• Definition:
  Sensibility is a noun, frequently found in its plural form, "sensibilities."
  • Formal Usage: Often refers to someone’s personal or cultural approach to what they encounter.
    • Example: “The speaker made sure to tailor his speech to the sensibilities of his audience.”

2. Different Facets of the Word [00:57]

• Emotional Tendency:
  • Relates to the kind of feelings a person tends to have in general, or the ability to feel and understand emotions.
• Spectrum of Meanings:
  • Ranges “from mere sensation to excessive sentimentality,” covering both minimal physical feeling and deep emotional response.

3. Usage in Popular Culture [01:07]

• Modern Example:
  • “Lady Gaga's absurdist sensibilities have long been an underrated facet of her work, probably because she's so good at delivering them with a straight face.”
    — from Pitchfork

4. Literary Reference: Jane Austen [01:23]

• Austen's Application:
  • Sensibility is often “an admirable quality she attributes to or finds lacking in her characters.”
• Direct Quote from Austen:
  • “He had sensibility to what was amiable and lovely,” referencing Mr. Eliot in Persuasion.
• Sense and Sensibility Distinction:
  • In Sense and Sensibility, Marianne is characterized by “sensibleness on the one hand, but an excess of sensibility on the other.”
    • Quote: “With these words, her sorrows, her joys could have no moderation. She was everything but prudent.”
      — [01:52]

5. Closing and Further Resources [02:28]

• Host invites listeners to visit merriamwebster.com for more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the breadth of the word:
  “The meanings of the word sensibility run the gamut from mere sensation to excessive sentimentality, but we're here to help you make sense of it all.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:13]

• Austen’s insight into character:
  “He had sensibility to what was amiable and lovely, of Mr. Eliot in Persuasion, for example.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:31]

• Marianne’s characterization:
  “With these words, her sorrows, her joys could have no moderation. She was everything but prudent.” — Peter Sokolowski quoting Sense and Sensibility [01:52]

Useful Timestamps

• 00:42 — Word Introduction: “sensibility” and its basic definitions
• 01:07 — Modern example with Lady Gaga
• 01:23 — Literary usage in Jane Austen
• 01:52 — “Sense and Sensibility” quote
• 02:28 — Invitation to explore more at merriamwebster.com

Tone & Style

Peter Sokolowski delivers the episode in a clear, informative, and slightly formal tone, balancing educational content with engaging literary examples.

Summary:
This episode provides a concise but rich exploration of the word "sensibility," covering its range of meanings, how it’s used today, and its literary resonance, particularly in Jane Austen’s works. The examples provided, both contemporary and classic, illustrate the versatility and depth of this word, making it both approachable and memorable for listeners.