First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
sensual
adjective sen·su·al \ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl, -shəl\
: relating to, devoted to, or producing physical or sexual pleasure
Full Definition of SENSUAL
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2
: sensory 1
3
a : devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites b : voluptuous c : deficient in moral, spiritual, or intellectual interests : worldly; especially : irreligious
— sen·su·al·i·ty \ˌsen(t)-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē\ noun
— sen·su·al·ly \ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wə-lē, ˈsen-shə-lē\ adverb
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Examples of SENSUAL
- A sharp observer with a pleasing eye for sensual detail, Jaffrey weaves a richly textured story in which she effortlessly mingles quotidian dramas with historic events including the partition of India. —Michelle Green, People, 6 Nov. 2006
- And Rousseau, in his Confessions, wrote of the sensual pleasure he found in simple meals of peasant cheeses and breads. —Andrea Lee Gourmet, May 2004
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Origin of SENSUAL
Middle English, from Late Latin sensualis, from Latin sensus sense
Synonym Discussion of SENSUAL
carnal, fleshly, sensual, animal mean having a relation to the body. carnal may mean only this but more often connotes derogatorily an action or manifestation of a person's lower nature <a slave to carnal desires>. fleshly is less derogatory than carnal <a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations>. sensual may apply to any gratification of a bodily desire or pleasure but commonly implies sexual appetite with absence of the spiritual or intellectual <fleshpots providing sensual delights>. animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person <led a mindless animal existence>.
sensuous, sensual, luxurious, voluptuous mean relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses. sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure <the sensuous delights of great music>. sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves <a life devoted to sensual pleasures>. luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor <a luxurious hotel>. voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure <a voluptuous feast>.
sensuous, sensual, luxurious, voluptuous mean relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses. sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure <the sensuous delights of great music>. sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves <a life devoted to sensual pleasures>. luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor <a luxurious hotel>. voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure <a voluptuous feast>.
Other Psychology Terms
SENSUALITY Defined for Kids
sensual
adjective sen·su·al \ˈsen-shə-wəl\
Definition of SENSUAL for Kids
: relating to the pleasing of the senses
Medical Dictionary
sensual
adjective sen·su·al \ˈsench-(ə-)wəl, ˈsen-shəl\
Medical Definition of SENSUAL
1
: sensory 1
2
: relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite
3
: devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites
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