sense

A natural ability to understand or judge something well.

• He has a good sense of humor.
• My sense of direction is terrible.
• The designer showed a strong sense of style.

How to use it: a sense of something (She has an excellent sense of timing.)

Similar words: feel, instinct, aptitude

Common phrases: sense of humor, sense of direction, sense of style, sense of rhythm

A feeling or awareness of something, even when you cannot explain it fully.

• The lock gives me a sense of security.
• She felt a deep sense of loss.
• There was a sense that change was coming.

How to use it: a sense of something (The friendly staff gave us a sense of belonging.); a sense that… (I had a sense that something was wrong.)

Similar words: feeling, awareness, impression

Common phrases: sense of security, sense of belonging, sense of danger, sense of relief

The ability to make sensible decisions about what is useful, safe, or right.

• Use some sense and wear a coat.
• She had the sense to save some money.
• It is common sense to check before crossing the road.

How to use it: have the sense to do something (He had the sense to ask for help.)

Similar words: judgment, good judgment, wisdom

Opposites: foolishness

Common phrases: common sense, good sense, have some sense, use your sense

To realize how someone feels or what is happening without being told directly.

• I sensed her anger.
• He sensed that something was wrong.
• Can you sense the tension between them?

How to use it: sense that… (I sensed that she wanted to leave.); sense something in someone/something (He sensed tension in her voice.)

Similar words: feel, notice, detect, perceive

Common phrases: sense danger, sense something wrong, sense someone's anger, sense someone's dislike

To notice something through sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch.

• The snake can sense heat.
• I sensed movement behind me and turned around.
• Fish sense vibrations in the water.

Similar words: detect, feel, perceive

Common phrases: sense heat, sense movement, sense vibrations