Meaning & use
sensitivity reading
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountable
the practice of having someone check a text for stereotypes or offensive portrayals before it is published
Grammar: Uncountable: say 'sensitivity reading' or 'a sensitivity read', not 'a sensitivity reading' when referring to the process.
Patterns
- sensitivity reading of a text
- do sensitivity reading
- undergo sensitivity reading
The publisher arranged sensitivity reading before the novel went to print.
Sensitivity reading can help authors avoid harmful stereotypes.
Her book went through sensitivity reading and several changes were made.
nouncountable
a single session or report in which a text is checked for stereotypes or offensive content
Grammar: Countable when it means one instance: a sensitivity reading, two sensitivity readings.
Patterns
- a sensitivity reading
- commission a sensitivity reading
- receive a sensitivity reading
The author received a detailed sensitivity reading from a specialist.
They commissioned three sensitivity readings for the script.
Word forms
| plural | sensitivity readings |
|---|
Common combinations
- sensitivity reading of a manuscript
- The sensitivity reading of the manuscript took two weeks.
- undergo sensitivity reading
- The play underwent sensitivity reading before its premiere.
- a sensitivity reader
- A sensitivity reader pointed out several problematic descriptions.
- commission sensitivity reading
- The studio commissioned sensitivity reading for the new film.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cultural consultation
- Broader and more neutral; it can cover advice on many cultural issues, not just checking for stereotypes.
- beta reading
- Focuses on general feedback from readers, not specifically on stereotypes or representation.
Word family
- sensitivity reader noun
- a person who does sensitivity reading
- sensitive adjective
- easily hurt, or needing careful treatment
- sensitively adverb
- in a way that shows care for people's feelings
Commonly confused: sensitivity reading or sensitivity training?
sensitivity reading vs sensitivity training
Sensitivity training teaches people how to behave respectfully; sensitivity reading checks a written text for problems.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'sensitivity reading' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Sensitivity reading' is about checking for stereotypes or offensive portrayals, so 'before publication' fits. The other options describe different editing goals and do not match the meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “sensitivity reading”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.