sensual
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “sensual” mean?
adjective.relating to or involving gratification of the senses and physical, especially sexual, pleasure.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing art, literature, or romantic themes, emphasizing an appreciation for physical beauty and pleasure. It implies a deeper connection to the experience of enjoyment or desire, distinguishing it from words like "sensory," which may refer more broadly to the senses without the connotation of pleasure.
Common Confusions
Sensual implies a focus on physical pleasure and gratification, while sensory usually suggests a neutral engagement with the senses without the connotation of pleasure.
Do not choose sensual if the context emphasizes intellectual or spiritual experiences rather than gratification of the senses and physical, especially sexual, pleasure.
Example Sentences
-
The dance was slow, graceful, and deeply sensual in character.
-
That massage was a very sensual experience!