insensible
/ɪnˈsensəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈsensəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)in-ˈsen(t)-sə-bəl/ (ame, mw)
insensible — adjective
- insensiblepositive
- more insensiblecomparative
- most insensiblesuperlative
1. temporarily unable to see, hear, feel, or move because of a strong blow, illness
temporarily unable to see, hear, feel, or move because of a strong blow, illness, or injury; not conscious.
The hiker lay insensible on the forest trail after falling and hitting her head on a rock.
state after an accident: lie insensible
The earthquake victim remained insensible for nearly two hours before the rescue team arrived.
medical context: remain insensible
A powerful punch left the fighter insensible on the canvas for several seconds.
- unconscious
more common in everyday English; same meaning
- comatose
deeper, longer-lasting loss of consciousness; medical term
- senseless
similar meaning, slightly less formal
文法句型
be insensible
lie insensible
remain insensible
用法筆記
This sense is most common in medical or formal narratives. When describing a temporary loss of consciousness from an accident or blow, 'unconscious' is the everyday alternative.
常見錯誤
2. not caring about something or not being emotionally affected by it, especially w
not caring about something or not being emotionally affected by it, especially when most people would react strongly.
The manager seemed completely insensible to the employees' complaints about unsafe working conditions.
followed by 'to': insensible to [something]
The wealthy landlord was insensible to the suffering of his tenants during the freezing winter.
Diplomats accused the government of being insensible to the humanitarian crisis unfolding at the border.
- indifferent
more common and slightly less formal
- apathetic
suggests lack of interest or energy, not just lack of caring
- unfeeling
emphasises cruelty or coldness
- sensitive
easily affected by others' feelings or situations
- compassionate
feeling concern for others' suffering
文法句型
be insensible to something
seem insensible to something
remain insensible to something
用法筆記
Followed by the preposition 'to' (insensible to criticism / pain / suffering). This sense implies a lack of emotional reaction that others would consider expected or appropriate.
常見錯誤
3. not knowing or noticing that something exists, is happening, or is true.
not knowing or noticing that something exists, is happening, or is true.
The children were insensible of the danger as they played near the edge of the high cliff.
followed by 'of': insensible of [danger/risk]
Nadia was so absorbed in her novel that she was insensible of the loud music playing in the next room.
The visitors were insensible of the strict dress code at the temple until a guard stopped them at the entrance.
文法句型
be insensible of something
remain insensible of something
用法筆記
Followed by the preposition 'of' (insensible of the danger / the risk / the consequences). The meaning overlaps with 'unaware', but 'insensible of' is more formal and less common in spoken English.