Definition of the word sensuousness

The word "sensuousness" derives from the Latin "sensuous" (sensus), meaning "the ability to perceive or feel." In the 16th century, it first appeared in English with a meaning closely related to this Latin root. It described the quality of being able to perceive or experience things through the senses, particularly in a fully engaged and delightful way. Over time, the word's meaning evolved to describe not only sensory experiences but also the aesthetic, emotional, and spiritual dimensions that arise from them. "Sensuousness" now connotes a rich appreciation of beauty, pleasure, and intuitively embodied emotion, often associated with artistic, cultural, and spiritual practices that celebrate the human senses.