-uous +
(Latin: a suffix; tending to, inclined to)
sensuous
1. Appealing to or enjoying the pleasures of sensation, other than those associated with sex.
Sensuous is distinguished from sensual by gratifying the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasures or the delight in beauty of color, sound, or form that is induced while sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the appetites (as of gluttony and lust) as an end in itself.
2. Greatly appreciative of the pleasures of sensations.
Sensuous usually means a powerful appeal to the senses or to the esthetic faculties; such as, the sensuous delicacy of a rose petal.
Sensual, on the other hand, refers more to some sexual application; such as, a sensual sculpture of a nude.
The difference between the two words was the original reason for creating the expression sensuous. The poet, John Milton, is said to have invented the word in order to have a synonym for sensual, minus the association with sex. He used the word in an often-quoted formulation of what poetry should be: "simple, sensuous, and passionate".
-A compilation of excerpts found in
Family Word Finder; by editors of the Reader's Digest Association;
Pleasantville, New York; 1975; page 706.
septemfluous
Flowing in seven streams.
sinuous
1. Lithe and graceful, especially making graceful winding or curving movements; such as, the dancer had many sinuous movements.
2. Full of bends and curves with reference to the sinuous course of a stream.
3. Indirect and devious; characterized by many curves or turns; winding.
superfluous
1. Being more than is sufficient or required; excessive.
2. Unnecessary or needless.
3. Possessing or spending more than enough or necessary; extravagant.
unambiguous, unambigously
1. Having or exhibiting no ambiguity or uncertainty; clear.
2. Permitting no doubt or misunderstanding; having only one meaning or interpretation and leading to only one conclusion.
unctuous
Greasy or oily; oleaginous.
vacuous
1. Devoid of matter; empty; vacant, blank, void.
2. Lacking intelligence; stupid; a vacuous remark is one that is empty of intelligence.
3. Devoid of substance or meaning; inane.
4. Devoid of expression; vacant.
virtuous
1. Originally, distinguished by manly qualities; full of manly courage; valiant, valorous.
2. Possessing or showing virtue in life and conduct; acting with moral rectitude or in conformity with moral laws; free from vice, immorality, or wickedness; good, just, righteous.
3. Having or showing moral goodness or righteousness.
4. Not having sexual intercourse with anyone except a partner in marriage, especially a husband.
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