oversensitivity
oversensitivity — noun
1. a physical state in which the body has an unusually strong reaction to a substan
a physical state in which the body has an unusually strong reaction to a substance, light, temperature, or other outside factor that normally does not affect people
Kemi's oversensitivity to sunlight means she cannot stay outdoors for more than ten minutes.
oversensitivity + to + [trigger substance]
The doctor noted the patient's oversensitivity to penicillin in her medical chart.
Min developed an oversensitivity to dust after moving into the old apartment.
Tests confirmed that the child's oversensitivity to dairy products caused severe stomach pain.
- hypersensitivity
more clinical and severe; often used in medical diagnoses
- allergy
narrower — refers only to immune-system reactions, not all physical sensitivities
- intolerance
typically used for food or drug reactions; less technical
- resistance
the ability to withstand a substance or stimulus without reaction
文法句型
oversensitivity + to + noun phrase
常見錯誤
2. a tendency to become hurt, offended, or upset by small comments or actions that
a tendency to become hurt, offended, or upset by small comments or actions that most people would not mind
Arjun's oversensitivity to criticism made it hard for his manager to give honest feedback.
oversensitivity + to + [cause of upset]
Her oversensitivity about her accent kept her from speaking up in class.
The counsellor told the teenager that oversensitivity was getting in the way of her friendships.
Walid tried to hide his oversensitivity, but everyone could see how quickly his mood changed.
- touchiness
informal; suggests a quick, irritable reaction to small things
- thin skin
idiomatic, informal; describes someone who cannot handle even mild criticism
- defensiveness
focuses on reacting by protecting oneself rather than feeling hurt
- resilience
the ability to recover quickly from criticism or setbacks
- thick skin
idiomatic; the ability to handle criticism without getting upset
文法句型
oversensitivity + to/about + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense describes a personality trait or habitual tendency, not a single emotional reaction. To talk about a specific instance of hurt feelings, use sense 3 (HURT FEELINGS) instead.
常見錯誤
3. strong feelings of hurt or offense that someone shows when they react to somethi
strong feelings of hurt or offense that someone shows when they react to something that was not intended to be unkind
Maja's oversensitivity showed when she burst into tears over a simple joke.
possessive + oversensitivity + showed when…
A comment about a typo triggered Zuri's oversensitivity, and she avoided her colleague all afternoon.
possessive + oversensitivity + specific setting event
Shanti's oversensitivity convinced her that her friends planned the hiking trip just to exclude her.
Niran's oversensitivity at the meeting surprised his colleagues, who had meant no offense.
- hurt feelings
more neutral and conversational; less technical than 'oversensitivity'
- offense
focuses on the feeling of being insulted rather than general sensitivity
文法句型
possessive + oversensitivity
show/display + oversensitivity
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (EASILY UPSET): sense 2 describes the long-term personality trait, while this sense focuses on the actual display of hurt feelings in a particular situation or across situations.
常見錯誤
oversensitivity — adjective
- oversensitivitypositive
- more oversensitivitycomparative
- most oversensitivitysuperlative
1. getting hurt, offended, or upset too easily by things that other people would no
getting hurt, offended, or upset too easily by things that other people would not find troubling
Liam is an oversensitive child who cries whenever someone raises their voice.
oversensitive child — describes a personality trait
Don't be so oversensitive — she was just making a harmless comment about the food.
imperative: 'don't be so oversensitive'
The actress was known for being oversensitive about reviews of her work.
Ramón felt his colleague was being oversensitive about the seating arrangement at the meeting.
- thin-skinned
informal; suggests a person reacts badly to any criticism
- touchy
informal; emphasises irritation or anger rather than hurt
- defensive
focuses on the behaviour of protecting oneself from criticism
- resilient
able to recover quickly from criticism or difficult situations
- thick-skinned
informal; not easily bothered by criticism
文法句型
be + oversensitive + about/to + noun phrase
常見錯誤
2. reacting more strongly than normal to a drug, chemical, substance, or physical s
reacting more strongly than normal to a drug, chemical, substance, or physical stimulus, due to a biological difference in the body
Defne's skin is oversensitive to nickel, so she can only wear hypoallergenic jewellery.
oversensitive + to + [allergen/trigger]
Some patients become oversensitive to bee stings after their first allergic reaction.
Eli discovered he is oversensitive to caffeine — even a single cup of tea keeps him awake all night.
Gabriela's dermatologist told her she has oversensitive skin that reacts badly to most perfumed lotions.
- hypersensitive
more clinical; implies a diagnosed medical condition
- allergic
narrower — only for immune-mediated reactions
- susceptible
broader; does not specify the type of reaction
文法句型
oversensitive + to + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in allergy testing, dermatology, and immunology contexts. When used for senses like hearing or smell, it describes a physical sensitivity, not an emotional reaction (compare with sense 1, EASILY OFFENDED).
常見錯誤
3. able to detect or react to extremely small amounts, changes, or differences that
able to detect or react to extremely small amounts, changes, or differences that standard equipment or normal senses would not register
Kemi used an oversensitive thermometer that could detect changes of one-tenth of a degree.
oversensitive + [measuring device] — technical precision
The security system was so oversensitive that passing cats set off the alarm every night.
so + oversensitive + that + [unintended result]
Walid's camera has an oversensitive light metre that adjusts for the faintest glow.
These oversensitive scales are used in the pharmacy to measure tiny amounts of medicine.
- hypersensitive
can be used for both instruments and biology, but more common in medical fields
- finely tuned
positive connotation; suggests skilful engineering rather than a flaw
- ultrasensitive
technical; emphasises the extreme level of precision
- insensitive
unable to detect differences or changes
- dull
not responsive; registering only large changes
文法句型
oversensitive + to + noun phrase
用法筆記
Unlike the other senses (which describe a problem or flaw), this sense can be neutral or even positive when describing precision instruments. However, it often implies that the device is more sensitive than practical — causing false readings or unnecessary alerts.