sensory
sensory — adjective
1. relating to how the body perceives the world through the five physical senses —
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.
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
Young children learn about the world through sensory play with sand, water, and clay.
After the accident, Hamza experienced a temporary loss of sensory function in his left hand.
The museum added a sensory room where visitors could touch ancient pottery replicas.
- 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
2. describing nerves or nerve cells that carry signals from parts of the body — suc
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.
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
The spinal cord carries both sensory and motor signals between the brain and the body.
A sensory neuron, once activated, sends an electrical impulse toward the central nervous system.
Researchers found that the drug blocked sensory signals before they reached the brain.
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).