sensory

/ˈsensəri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsensəri/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsen(t)-sə-rē ˈsen(t)s-rē/ (ame, mw)

sensory — adjective

  • sensorypositive
  • more sensorycomparative
  • most sensorysuperlative

1. relating to how the body perceives the world through the five physical senses —

1.形容詞B2
釋義

relating to how the body perceives the world through the five physical senses — for instance, noticing the texture of a surface, the scent of a flower, or the sound of music.

例句

The sensory garden was lined with herbs chosen for their smell and texture.

attributive: sensory + noun (garden)

Adaeze found that the bright lights and loud music created too much sensory input.

collocation: sensory input

同義詞
  • sensorial

    more formal, used mainly in academic writing about psychology or education

  • perceptual

    focuses on how the brain interprets sensory information, not the raw input itself

  • sensuous

    emphasises pleasure from the senses, especially aesthetic enjoyment

文法句型

sensory + noun

用法筆記

Typically appears before a noun in attributive position. Common in psychology, education, healthcare, and design contexts. Cannot be made comparative or superlative — you would not say 'more sensory' or 'most sensory'.

常見錯誤

❌The massage was very sensory.
✅The massage created a rich sensory experience.
💡'sensory' describes the nature of an experience or input, not the quality of an object or event.

2. describing nerves or nerve cells that carry signals from parts of the body — suc

2.形容詞C1
釋義

describing nerves or nerve cells that carry signals from parts of the body — such as the skin, eyes, or ears — toward the brain and spinal cord, so that you become aware of touch, pain, temperature, or other physical conditions.

例句

Sensory nerves in the fingers send signals to the brain whenever you touch something hot.

collocation: sensory nerves

Imran's doctor explained that the damage was to the sensory fibres, not the motor ones.

contrast: sensory vs motor fibres

同義詞
  • afferent

    strictly technical term for nerve direction toward the central nervous system

  • receptive

    broader term describing the ability to receive signals, not limited to nerves

反義詞
  • motor

    describes nerves that carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands

  • efferent

    technical antonym of afferent; describes nerve direction away from the CNS

文法句型

sensory + noun (nerve / neuron / fibre / receptor / cortex)

用法筆記

Primarily used in biology, neuroscience, and medical contexts. Frequently contrasts with motor — sensory nerves carry information toward the central nervous system (afferent direction), while motor nerves carry instructions away from it (efferent direction).

常見錯誤

❌Sensory neurons carry signals from the brain to the muscles.
✅Sensory neurons carry signals from the body toward the brain.
💡sensory neurons are afferent (toward the CNS). Confusing sensory with motor is a common error in biology studies.