VocabDictionary

sensationist

/ˌsɛnˈseɪʃənɪst/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person who adheres to the philosophical doctrine that all knowledge and thought are derived from sensory experience.

Example Sentences:
  • The sensationist argued that without the input of our five senses, the human mind would be an absolute blank slate.
  • As a strict sensationist, he rejected any claims of innate ideas or metaphysical intuition.
2.adjective

Relating to or characterized by the belief that sensory perception is the primary source of knowledge.

Example Sentences:
  • Her sensationist approach to art criticism focused entirely on the visceral impact of color and texture rather than symbolic meaning.
  • The curriculum was criticized for its purely sensationist focus, ignoring abstract logic and theoretical reasoning.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “sensationist” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “sensationist”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'sensus' (feeling, sense) via the French 'sensation'. The suffix '-ist' denotes a person who adheres to a particular doctrine or practice. In philosophy, it refers to the 18th-century school of thought (sensationalism) which posits that all knowledge originates in sensory experience.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'sensation-ist' as someone who is an 'artist' of 'sensations', focusing entirely on what they can feel, see, or touch.

Frequently Asked Questions About “sensationist

1. What is the meaning of “sensationist” in English?

In English, sensationist (noun) is defined as: “A person who adheres to the philosophical doctrine that all knowledge and thought are derived from sensory experience.”.

2. How do you use “sensationist” in a sentence?

The sensationist argued that without the input of our five senses, the human mind would be an absolute blank slate.

3. What are English synonyms of “sensationist”?

Common synonyms include:empiricist,sensationalist,phenomenalist

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “sensationist”?

Derived from the Latin 'sensus' (feeling, sense) via the French 'sensation'. The suffix '-ist' denotes a person who adheres to a particular doctrine or practice. In philosophy, it refers to the 18th-century school of thought (sensationalism) which posits that all knowledge originates in sensory experience.