Definition

The ability to feel, perceive, or experience sensations and emotions; being aware of one's surroundings and having consciousness.

Example

Many animals exhibit a level of sentience that allows them to experience pain and joy.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about what sentience really means?

Yeah, it’s fascinating how it relates to consciousness and feelings.

Exactly! I wonder if animals experience sentience the same way we do.

I think they do, but we might not fully understand it yet.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sentience → It is formed from "sentiens" (the present participle of "sentire", meaning to feel) and the suffix "-ence" (indicating a state or quality). The word "sentience" refers to the state of being able to feel or perceive sensations.

Memory Tip

Think of 'feeling' ('sentire') to remember that 'sentience' means the ability to feel or perceive.

Visually Confused Words