What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insensible
Example
The patient was insensible after the surgery. [insensible: adjective]
Example
The changes in the environment were insensible to the naked eye. [insensible: adjective]
numb
Example
My fingers are numb from the cold. [numb: adjective]
Example
After the breakup, I felt numb and couldn't process my emotions. [numb: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Numb is more commonly used than insensible in everyday language. Numb is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while insensible is less common and typically used in formal or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between insensible and numb?
Insensible is more formal and technical than numb. It is often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe a lack of consciousness or awareness. Numb, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.