What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tropism
Example
The plant exhibited positive phototropism by growing towards the light. [phototropism: noun]
Example
The roots of the tree showed negative gravitropism by growing upwards. [gravitropism: noun]
sensitivity
Example
The cat's sensitivity to sound made it jump at the slightest noise. [sensitivity: noun]
Example
The patient's skin was highly sensitive to touch due to an allergic reaction. [sensitive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sensitivity is more commonly used than tropism in everyday language. Sensitivity is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while tropism is more specific and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tropism and sensitivity?
Tropism is a more technical term that is typically used in scientific or academic contexts, while sensitivity is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.