Care vs Sensitivity

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Care

Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun

Sensitivity

Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Most common: Care
 CareSensitivity
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/keə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ker/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˌsensəˈtɪvəti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌsensəˈtɪvəti/"]/
Meaningto feel interest or concern about something or someoneThe ability to understand and care about others' feelings.
ExampleShe shows great care for her pets.Her sensitivity to criticism made her an empathetic friend.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelA2C1
Part of speechnounnoun
Collocationsgood, great, proper, take, deliver, provide (somebody with), services, centre/​center, facility, in care, in somebody’s care, under the care of, care of somebody, in care of somebody, the quality of care, extreme, good, great, exercise, take, need, with care, without careextreme, great, high, degree, have, develop, display, training, with sensitivity, sensitivity about, sensitivity in, a lack of sensitivity, extreme, great, high, degree, have, develop, display, training, with sensitivity, sensitivity about, sensitivity in, a lack of sensitivity, extreme, great, high, degree, have, develop, display, training, with sensitivity, sensitivity about, sensitivity in, a lack of sensitivity, extreme, great, high, degree, have, develop, display, training, with sensitivity, sensitivity about, sensitivity in, a lack of sensitivity, extreme, great, high, degree, have, develop, display, training, with sensitivity, sensitivity about, sensitivity in, a lack of sensitivity, extreme, great, high, degree, have, develop, display, training, with sensitivity, sensitivity about, sensitivity in, a lack of sensitivity
Antonymsdisregard, neglect, ignoreinsensitivity, indifference, apathy
Common mistakesConfusing with 'caring', which implies action rather than just feeling., Omitting 'about' when expressing concern (e.g., saying 'I care my family' instead of 'I care about my family').Confused with 'sensible' — they have different meanings., Used inappropriately in technical contexts, where it refers to devices rather than feelings., Overgeneralizing its application, using it in places where emotional context isn't relevant.
Usage notesUse 'care' to express concern or affection. It's suitable in most contexts but may sound too emotional in very formal situations.Often used in contexts involving emotional intelligence or awareness. Suitable in both professional and personal conversations. Avoid in overly casual situations where it may seem too formal.

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Care
Sensitivity

Frequently asked questions: Care vs Sensitivity

What's the difference between Care and Sensitivity?

Care: to feel interest or concern about something or someone Sensitivity: The ability to understand and care about others' feelings.

Which is more common: Care and Sensitivity?

Care is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Care and Sensitivity?

Sensitivity is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.

Are Care and Sensitivity the same CEFR level?

Care: A2, Sensitivity: C1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Care and Sensitivity?

Care: noun, Sensitivity: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Care: She shows great care for her pets. Sensitivity: Her sensitivity to criticism made her an empathetic friend.

Can I use Care and Sensitivity interchangeably?

Not always. Care and Sensitivity are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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