sensual

sen·su·al

adj \ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl, -shəl\

Definition of SENSUAL

1

: relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite : fleshly

2

: sensory 1

3

a : devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites b : voluptuous c : deficient in moral, spiritual, or intellectual interests : worldly; especially : irreligious

— sen·su·al·i·ty \ˌsen(t)-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē\ noun

— sen·su·al·ly \ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wə-lē, ˈsen-shə-lē\ adverb

Examples of SENSUAL

1. Certain fragrances apparently heighten sensual experiences.
2. <the sensual feel of a velvet shirt against the skin>
3. A sharp observer with a pleasing eye for sensual detail, Jaffrey weaves a richly textured story in which she effortlessly mingles quotidian dramas with historic events including the partition of India. —Michelle Green, People, 6 Nov. 2006
4. And Rousseau, in his Confessions, wrote of the sensual pleasure he found in simple meals of peasant cheeses and breads. —Andrea Lee Gourmet, May 2004

Origin of SENSUAL

Middle English, from Late Latin sensualis, from Latin sensus sense

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SENSUAL

Synonyms: carnal, fleshly, luscious, lush, sensuous, voluptuous

Related Words: bodily, corporeal; agreeable, delectable, delicious, delightful, dreamy, gratifying, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, scrumptious; epicurean, luxurious, self-indulgent

Near Antonyms: harsh, painful, uncomfortable; disgusting, foul, hideous, icky

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See Synonym Discussion at carnal, sensuous

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal