Definitions
- Referring to an extreme sensitivity or heightened response to a stimulus. - Describing a condition where a person is more sensitive than normal to certain substances or situations. - Talking about a heightened awareness or perception of something beyond what is considered normal.
- Referring to an excessive or exaggerated response to a stimulus. - Describing a condition where a person reacts strongly to certain substances or situations. - Talking about a heightened emotional or physical reaction to something beyond what is considered normal.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a heightened response or reaction to a stimulus.
- 2Both words can refer to a medical condition or a personality trait.
- 3Both words involve a level of sensitivity beyond what is considered normal or average.
What is the difference?
- 1Degree: Supersensitivity implies a higher level of sensitivity than hypersensitivity.
- 2Cause: Supersensitivity can be caused by genetics or environmental factors, while hypersensitivity is often related to emotional or psychological factors.
- 3Response: Supersensitivity may result in a more subtle or nuanced response, while hypersensitivity often results in an exaggerated or intense response.
- 4Medical context: Supersensitivity is more commonly used in medical contexts, while hypersensitivity can be used in both medical and non-medical contexts.
- 5Connotation: Supersensitivity has a more positive connotation, while hypersensitivity can have a negative connotation.
Remember this!
Supersensitivity and hypersensitivity are synonyms that describe a heightened response or reaction to a stimulus. However, supersensitivity implies a higher degree of sensitivity than hypersensitivity, and the cause and response of each word can differ. While supersensitivity is more commonly used in medical contexts, hypersensitivity can be used in both medical and non-medical contexts.
