Commonly confused words › sensual vs. sensuous

Sensual vs. sensuous

Quick answer

Sensual relates to physical, often sexual, pleasure. Sensuous relates to pleasing the senses, especially beauty.

sensual

Relating to physical or bodily pleasure.

“The film was criticized as too sensual.”

sensuous

Appealing to the senses, especially aesthetically.

“The sensuous colors of the painting.”

How to remember

Sensuous is about the senses, like the colors of a painting.

Test yourself

The poem's _____ imagery of autumn leaves.

A _____ dance scene.