sensitively
UK[ˈsensətɪvli]US[ˈsensətɪvli]
adv
in a way that shows awareness and understanding of the feelings of others.
adv
in a way that is easily affected or changed by something.
adv
in a way that requires careful handling because of being potentially controversial or offensive.
Morpheme Breakdown
sens
itive
ly
sens
feel
itive
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'sensitively' is built upon the core latin root 'sentire', meaning 'to feel'. this root gave rise to the adjective 'sensitive', which describes someone or something capable of feeling or perceiving. the addition of the old english adverbial suffix '-ly' transforms the adjective into an adverb, describing the manner of an action. thus, the literal progression from 'to feel' to 'in a feeling manner' captures the essence of acting with awareness, delicacy, or responsiveness.
Analysis
Structure: sens (feel) + itive (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
sens (from latin 'sentire', meaning 'to feel'); itive (latin-derived adjectival suffix forming adjectives meaning 'having the nature of'); ly (old english-derived suffix forming adverbs from adjectives).
Examples
she listened sensitively to her friend's problems.
the equipment is calibrated very sensitively to detect minute changes.
the issue of cultural heritage must be dealt with sensitively.