Definitions
- Describing a person who has become excessively sensitive to a particular stimulus or situation. - Referring to a heightened sensitivity that has developed over time due to repeated exposure to a stimulus. - Talking about a person who has become overly reactive to a particular emotion or feeling.
- Describing a person who is highly sensitive to external stimuli, such as sound, light, or touch. - Referring to a heightened emotional sensitivity that can cause a person to react strongly to criticism or perceived slights. - Talking about a person who is easily offended or hurt by others' words or actions.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a heightened sensitivity to a particular stimulus.
- 2Both words can refer to physical or emotional sensitivity.
- 3Both words suggest a level of sensitivity that is beyond what is considered normal or average.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Oversensitized is less commonly used than hypersensitive.
- 2Cause: Oversensitized suggests a sensitivity that has developed over time due to repeated exposure to a stimulus, while hypersensitive implies a natural tendency towards heightened sensitivity.
- 3Intensity: Oversensitized suggests an extreme level of sensitivity, while hypersensitive can refer to varying degrees of sensitivity.
- 4Emphasis: Oversensitized emphasizes the idea of becoming too sensitive, while hypersensitive focuses on the idea of being highly sensitive.
- 5Connotation: Oversensitized can have a negative connotation, suggesting a loss of resilience or adaptability, while hypersensitive can have a neutral or positive connotation, suggesting a heightened awareness or empathy.
Remember this!
Oversensitized and hypersensitive are synonyms that describe a heightened sensitivity to a particular stimulus, whether physical or emotional. However, oversensitized suggests a sensitivity that has developed over time due to repeated exposure to a stimulus, while hypersensitive implies a natural tendency towards heightened sensitivity. Additionally, oversensitized suggests an extreme level of sensitivity, while hypersensitive can refer to varying degrees of sensitivity.
