late 14c., "capability of being perceived by the senses; ability to sense or perceive," from Old French sensibilite, from Late Latin sensibilitatem (nominative sensibilitas), from sensibilis (see sensible). Rarely recorded until the emergence of the meaning "emotional consciousness, capacity for higher feelings or refined emotion" (1751). Related: Sensibilities.
sensibility sen·si·bil·i·ty (sěn'sə-bĭl'ĭ-tē)
n.
The ability to perceive stimuli.
Mental or emotional responsiveness toward something, such as the feelings of another.
Receptiveness to impression, whether pleasant or unpleasant; acuteness of feeling.
The quality of being affected by changes in the environment.