Inklingo

susceptible

soos-sep-TEE-bleh/sus.sepˈti.ble/

susceptible means sensitive in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

sensitive

Also: touchy, thin-skinned
Adjectivem or fB1
A small, colorful bird looking sad and drooping its head after a raindrop hits its feather.

📝 In Action

Ten cuidado con lo que dices; hoy ella está muy susceptible.

B1

Be careful with what you say; she is very sensitive today.

Él es muy susceptible a las críticas de su jefe.

B2

He is very sensitive to his boss's criticism.

No seas tan susceptible, solo era una broma.

B1

Don't be so touchy, it was just a joke.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • estar susceptibleto be in a sensitive mood
  • ser susceptible ato be sensitive to

capable of

Also: open to, susceptible to
Adjectivem or fC1formal
A lump of soft, brightly colored modeling clay being shaped by a pair of hands.

📝 In Action

Este plan es susceptible de mejora.

C1

This plan is capable of improvement.

La ley es susceptible de varias interpretaciones.

C2

The law is open to several interpretations.

Los niños son más susceptibles a este virus.

B2

Children are more susceptible to this virus.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • susceptible de cambiocapable of change
  • susceptible de sercapable of being

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: susceptible

Question 1 of 3

If your friend is 'muy susceptible' today, what should you do?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
susceptibilidad(sensitivity/susceptibility)Noun
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the Latin 'susceptibilis', coming from 'suscipere', which means 'to take up' or 'to admit'.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: susceptibleFrench: susceptible

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'susceptible' always mean something negative?

Usually, yes. When referring to people, it implies they get offended too easily. When referring to things, it often means they are vulnerable to something like a virus or a mistake.

What is the difference between 'sensible' and 'susceptible'?

'Sensible' in Spanish means sensitive in a positive or neutral way (like an artist), while 'susceptible' specifically means 'easily offended' or 'vulnerable'.

Can I use 'susceptible' for a man and a woman?

Yes! The word ends in 'e', so it stays the same regardless of gender.