Sentient - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Sentient describes the ability to perceive, feel, or experience subjectively. It is often used to distinguish living beings with consciousness from objects or machines lacking self-awareness.
Definition:
Capable of perception or consciousness, often referring to living beings.
Synonyms:
conscious, aware, perceptive, intelligent
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
insentient, unconscious
Common Collocations:
sentient beings, sentient life, highly sentient
Derivatives:
sentience, sentiently
Usage Tips:
Use "sentient" to describe beings with awareness or perception, not objects or machines unless personified.
Common Phrases:
sentient being, highly sentient creature
Etymology:
From Latin "sentientem," meaning "feeling" or "perceiving."
Examples:
- 1. The dog is a sentient being that feels pain and joy.
- 2. Many scientists debate whether AI can ever become truly sentient.
- 3. Plants are not considered sentient because they lack a nervous system.
- 4. The novel explores the rights of sentient alien species.