1. the capacity to feel, perceive, or experience subjectively
2. the ability to have sensations and feelings
Usage: often used in discussions of animal rights and artificial intelligence

Examples

• Scientists debate whether dolphins possess true sentience.
• The question of machine sentience remains largely theoretical.
• Animal rights activists argue that sentience, not intelligence, should determine moral consideration.
• The philosopher explored the nature of human sentience and consciousness.
• Researchers study the development of sentience in newborn mammals.
• The debate over plant sentience challenges traditional views of awareness.