ευαίσθητος
Lemma: ευαίσθητος
Translation: sensitive; susceptible; delicate; tender; touchy (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek εὐαίσθητος, composed of εὖ (eu, 'well, good') + αἰσθητός (aisthetos, 'perceptible, sensible'), from αἰσθάνομαι (aisthanomai, 'to perceive, feel'). The root αἰσθ- is related to English 'aesthetic' and 'anesthesia'. The prefix εὖ- appears in many English words like 'euphoria' and 'eulogy'. This compound literally means 'well-perceiving' or 'having good perception', emphasizing heightened sensitivity rather than weakness.
Example Usage
Είναι πολύ ευαίσθητος στην κριτική.
He is very sensitive to criticism.
Έχει ευαίσθητο δέρμα.
She has sensitive skin.
Ο καλλιτέχνης είναι ευαίσθητος στην ομορφιά.
The artist is sensitive to beauty.
Είναι πολύ ευαίσθητος άνθρωπος.
He is a very sensitive person.
Το δέρμα της είναι ευαίσθητο στον ήλιο.
Her skin is sensitive to the sun.
Αυτό είναι ένα ευαίσθητο θέμα.
This is a sensitive topic.
Mnemonics
- Think 'EU-aesthetic' - someone with good aesthetic sense is sensitive
- Remember 'anesthesia' (no feeling) vs 'eu-aisthetos' (good feeling/perception)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used to describe artistic temperament, emotional sensitivity, or physical delicacy. In Greek culture, being ευαίσθητος is generally viewed positively as showing depth and refinement, though it can sometimes imply fragility.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: αισθητός means 'perceptible/noticeable' while ευαίσθητος means 'sensitive/having sensitivity'
Confused word:
Η αλλαγή είναι αισθητή.
The change is noticeable.
Notes: ευαίσθητος describes the person doing the sensing, αισθητός describes what can be sensed
Mnemonic: ευαίσθητος = EU (good) + sensitive person; αισθητός = something you can sense/notice