insensitively
gb/ɪnsənzɪtɪvli/ us/ɪnsənzɪtɪvli/
C1
English
érzéketlenül, tapintatlanul, zsibbadtan
C1
1
érzéketlenül
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] [speaks/acts/responds] insensitively (about/to [someone/something])
He spoke insensitively about her accent in front of the whole team.
Az egész csapat előtt érzéketlenül beszélt az akcentusáról.
The article described the tragedy insensitively and upset many readers.
A cikk érzéketlenül írta le a tragédiát, és sok olvasót felkavart.
She apologized after realizing she had responded insensitively to his news.
Learner examples
Please don’t talk insensitively about people’s families.
Kérlek, ne beszélj érzéketlenül mások családjáról.
I answered insensitively and hurt my friend.
Érzéketlenül válaszoltam, és megbántottam a barátomat.
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse the adverb insensitively with the adjective insensitive (e.g., ‘an insensitive comment’).
Meaning
in a tactless, hurtful way
Collocations
speak insensitively
|act insensitively
|respond insensitively
|behave insensitively
|comment insensitively
|joke insensitively
|insensitively worded
|insensitively handled
|insensitively asked
|insensitively dismissed
Synonyms
tactlessly (Emphasizes lack of social skill or discretion.)
|
thoughtlessly (Suggests not thinking about the effects on others.)
|
callously (Stronger; suggests cold lack of compassion.)
|
rudely (Focuses on impolite manner, not necessarily lack of empathy.)
Antonyms
sensitively (Shows awareness and care for others’ feelings.)
|
tactfully (Chooses words carefully to avoid offence.)
|
considerately (Shows kindness and thought for others.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|social_issues
Definition
in a way that is not kind or careful about other people’s feelings
In a way that shows little or no awareness of other people’s feelings, often causing offence or hurt.
C2
2
érzéketlenül
B2
zsibbadtan
B2
Usage pattern:
[a body part] [moves/feels] insensitively (to [something])
His fingers moved insensitively after hours in the cold.
Órákig tartó hideg után az ujjai zsibbadtan mozogtak.
The anesthetic made her jaw respond insensitively to touch for several hours.
Az érzéstelenítő miatt az állkapcsa több órán át alig reagált az érintésre.
Learner examples
After the ice, my skin felt insensitively for a while.
A jég után egy ideig zsibbadt volt a bőröm.
Common mistake:
Learners often prefer ‘numbly’ or ‘without feeling’ in everyday speech; insensitively can sound more formal or literary here.
Meaning
without physical feeling; numbly
Collocations
move insensitively
|feel insensitively
|insensitively numb
|touch insensitively
|rub insensitively
Synonyms
numbly (More common and direct for loss of sensation.)
|
without feeling (Plain phrasing; less formal.)
Antonyms
sensitively (With normal or heightened sensation or responsiveness.)
Themes
health
|body
Definition
without being able to feel well; like numb
In a way that shows little or no physical sensation or awareness, for example because of cold, injury, or drugs.
C2
TECHNICAL
3
érzéketlenül
C1
Usage pattern:
[something] [measures/responds] insensitively (to [something])
The detector was set too high and responded insensitively to small leaks.
A detektort túl magasra állították, ezért érzéketlenül reagált a kisebb szivárgásokra.
At that setting, the instrument measures insensitively, missing subtle changes in pressure.
Ezen a beállításon a műszer érzéketlenül mér, és nem érzékeli a nyomás finom változásait.
Common mistake:
Don’t use this technical sense when you mean ‘unkind’; context usually makes the difference (e.g., sensors vs people).
Meaning
not responsive; with low sensitivity
Collocations
respond insensitively
|measure insensitively
|insensitively calibrated
|insensitively tuned
|insensitively adjusted
Synonyms
weakly (General; does not necessarily imply ‘sensitivity’ in a technical sense.)
|
inaccurately (Related but different; inaccuracy is not the same as low sensitivity.)
Antonyms
sensitively (Responds strongly to small changes or differences.)
Themes
technology
|science
Definition
in a way that does not notice small changes
In a way that does not react strongly to small changes, signals, or differences.
Grammar
Dictionary form
insensitively
IPA
GB/ɪnsənzɪtɪvli/
US/ɪnsənzɪtɪvli/
Syllables & stress
in - sens - it - ively (4 syllables)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: insensitively
- Plural: insensitivelies
Word family
Forms
insensitivelies
noun
Core family
sensitive
adjective B1
sensitively
adverb
sensitivity
noun B2
insensitive
adjective B2
insensitivity
noun
Advanced or less common
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.