sense definition

1. a general conscious awareness
• examples: a sense of security
• examples: a sense of happiness
• examples: a sense of danger
• examples: a sense of self
2. the meaning of a word or expression; the way in which a word or expression or situation can be interpreted
• examples: the dictionary gave several senses for the word
• examples: in the best sense charity is really a duty
• examples: the signifier is linked to the signified
3. the faculty through which the external world is apprehended
• examples: in the dark he had to depend on touch and on his senses of smell and hearing
4. a natural appreciation or ability
• examples: a keen musical sense
• examples: a good sense of timing
5. detect some circumstance or entity automatically
• examples: This robot can sense the presence of people in the room
• examples: particle detectors sense ionization
6. comprehend
• examples: I sensed the real meaning of his letter