insensible

Adjective

insensible (comparative more insensible, superlative most insensible)

1. Unable to be perceived by the senses.
   • an insensible shift in emphasis
   • Two small and almost insensible pricks were found upon Cleopatra's arm.1650, Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica: […], 2nd edition, London: […] A[braham] Miller, for Edw[ard] Dod and Nath[aniel] Ekins, […], →OCLC

   Synonyms:

   imperceptible, unperceivable, imperceivable, indiscernible, undetectable, undiscernible, undistinguishable

   Antonyms:

   perceptible, sensible, conspicuous, detectable, discernable, noticeable, observable, perceivable, sensable

2. Incapable or deprived of physical sensation.
   • “[…] Captain Markam had been found lying half-insensible, gagged and bound, on the floor of the sitting-room, his hands and feet tightly pinioned, and a woollen comforter wound closely round his mouth and neck ; whilst Mrs. Markham's jewel-case, containing valuable jewellery and the secret plans of...1904–1905, Baroness Orczy [i.e., Emma Orczy], “The Fate of the Artemis”, in The Case of Miss Elliott, London: T[homas] Fisher Unwin, published 1905, →OCLC; republished as popular edition, London...
   • The Leicester Daily Mercury reflected on how these concerns were the result of changing ways of getting around: "It might sound a bit crazy or just a little revolting that at Christmas works parties, some should drink themselves into a near-insensible state... This was not serious when they used...2023 December 27, David Turner, “Silent lines...”, in RAIL, number 999, page 29

   Synonyms:

   anesthetic, insensate, insensitive, unsensitive

   Antonyms:

   sensate, sensible

3. Unable to be understood; unintelligible.

   Synonyms:

   inscrutable, unexplainable, abstruse, Chinese, dense, enigmatic, fathomless, bottomless, Greek, inapprehensible

4. Not sensible or reasonable; meaningless.
   • If it make the indictment be insensible or uncertain, […]it shall be quashed.1736, Matthew Hale, Historia Placitorum Coronæ

   Synonyms:

   pointless, senseless

5. Incapable of mental feeling; indifferent.
   • Lost in their loves, insensible of shame.1697, Virgil, “(please specify the book number)”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC
   • In spite of her deep-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man's affection[…]1813 January 27, [Jane Austen], Pride and Prejudice: […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), London: […] [George Sidney] for T[homas] Egerton, […], →OCLC

   Synonyms:

   insouciant, unconcerned, adiaphroistic, apathetic, apathistical, blasé, blithe, deaf, cool, shiftless

6. Incapable of emotional feeling; callous; apathetic.

   Synonyms:

   emotionless, insensitive, alexithymic, apathistical, clinical, dull, phlegmatic, cold-blooded, cold-hearted, dead inside