What is sensory language?

Sensory language is a type of descriptive language that appeals to one or more of the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. It's used to create vivid images and evoke emotions in the reader's mind. By using sensory details, writers can make their writing more engaging and immersive.

Here's a breakdown of each sense and examples of sensory language:

  • Sight: This involves describing colors, shapes, sizes, and visual details. For example, "The crimson sunset bled across the horizon." You can find more information about this subject on this page: Sight
  • Hearing: This includes sounds, noises, and music. For example, "The wind howled through the trees like a mournful cry." You can find more information about this subject on this page: Hearing
  • Smell: This involves aromas, fragrances, and odors. For example, "The air was thick with the sweet scent of honeysuckle." You can find more information about this subject on this page: Smell
  • Taste: This includes flavors, textures, and sensations in the mouth. For example, "The lemon was tart and puckered my lips." You can find more information about this subject on this page: Taste
  • Touch: This involves textures, temperatures, and physical sensations. For example, "The rough bark scraped against my skin." You can find more information about this subject on this page: Touch

Using strong verbs, adjectives, and figurative language such as Similes and Metaphors can greatly enhance sensory descriptions. The purpose is to "show, don't tell" the reader what something is like by engaging their senses.

Effective use of Sensory%20Details is a key characteristic of good descriptive writing.