Definition of sensibility

The word "sensibility" originated in the 18th century, during the Enlightenment era. It was used to describe a person's capacity to understand and respond emotionally to the senses, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. In essence, sensibility was considered a refined level of sensitivity, intelligence, and moral awareness. The term gained popularity in literary and cultural circles of the time, particularly in relationship to the emergence of sentimental novels. These novels, often aimed at women, portrayed characters with acute emotional responses and sensitive values systems. The works of authors like Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, and Oliver Goldsmith, all pioneers of the genre, helped popularize the use of "sensibility" in literature and culture. More broadly, sensibility was associated with humanitarian values and the idea that society should consider the feelings and rights of others. As such, it became connected to the philosophical movements of the Rights of Man and the French Revolution, as well as to political and social reformers like Edmund Burke. Over time, however, the initial enthusiasm for sensibility began to wane, as critics attacked it as overly sentimental and even as a form of snobbery. Nevertheless, the legacy of sensibility lives on in modern-day discussions of emotional intelligence and empathy. Today, sensibility remains a contested term, with critics debating its meanings and implications, particularly in relation to cultural, political, and gender issues. Nonetheless, its continued usage is a testament to the enduring power and persistence of this word, first coined in the Enlightenment era.