Definition

The state of being unable to feel or perceive things; lacking awareness or consciousness.

Example

The insentience of the material made it unsuitable for the project that required sensitivity.

Conversation

I've been reading about the concept of insentience and it's fascinating.

Really? What does it mean exactly?

It's the state of being unable to feel or perceive things, almost like being unresponsive.

That sounds interesting! I wonder how that applies to animals and their behavior.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Insentience is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "sentient" (from Latin "sentire", meaning to feel or perceive) and the suffix "-ence" (meaning the state of). The word describes the state of being without feeling or perception.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not feeling' ('in-' means not, and 'sentient' relates to feeling) to remember that insentience refers to a lack of sensation or awareness.

Visually Confused Words