Sensual Vs. Sexual

[Bean_head]

If someone was to say, describe something as 'sensual'; be it a picture, act or item, but would you define it as being compared to say something described as 'sexual'.

E.g. Sensual picture Vs. a Sexual picture

Do you see a definite difference between the two or arguably are they both the same?

Interested in your views.

Thanks,

Beans.

 

[Exbiker]

There is an overlap, but they are not the same.

Actually having penetrative sex ( oral, vaginal or anal ) is clearly sexual.
Touching / stroking in that context ( while having sex ) is clearly sexual.
Tight clothing, revealing the curves of a body ... chest, genitalia, overall male or female shape ... ? ... that's sexual.
Fetish gear, and things like whips and chains ... that's more sexual than sensual, but it's less clear.

...

just cuddling and touching, or kissing, but without actually have sex there and then, is sensual
being together under a blanket or duvet in front of a roaring log fire ... sensual
some kinds of drink ( red wine, brandy, whisky, liqueurs ) ... sensual
some kinds of food ... e.g. chocolate truffles ... sensual

So here's the deal. Almost all human endeavour is engineered to try to create enough times where we can be sensual with each other, and then use those sensual moments as a kind of "stargate" through which we can reach the sexual terrain of our inner lives ...

:smile:

 

[INS]

Sexual is perhaps a sub-set of sensual?

 

[erratic]

I thought sensual was meant to describe anything that really engages the senses, but.somewhere along the line got transmogrified into a polite euphemism for sexual.

 

[Exbiker]

Sexual is perhaps a sub-set of sensual?

I don't think so, much as I might prefer it.

Not all sex is sensual.

:redface:

 

[Phil Ayesho]

Sensual is not necessarily sexual... it is of or appealing to the senses.

So, a richly textured fabric that is engaging to your tactile senses is sensual.

So is the mouth watering smell of cinnamon rolls, a pizza or any other food for which you have a particular appreciation.

And so is a scene... say a room with excellent lighting and colors and textures that evoke an emotional response just upon the seeing of it... or a glorious sunset.


But, in particular Sensual refers to sensate experiences that go to the core of our biological being... hunger, lust, beauty... and evoke a strong visceral reaction.

In this sense it can be conflated with sexual... because our drive to reproduce ties into ALL out sense, all at once. The way an other person looks, smells, moves, sounds, feels and tastes...all are able to evoke very strong emotional and physiological reactions.

Thus... anything outside of your own internal thoughts and experience that is sexual is ALWAYS sensual... ( thinking about sex isn't particularly sensual because it doesn't engage your senses- until you start touching yourself... or feeling you erection rubbing in your pants )

But things can definitely be sensual in ways that are not at all sexual.

 

[elklindoxxx]

Sexual is something that excites the genitalia.

Sensual is something that excites senses, taste, touch, smell, visual, and audial.

 

[deleted858776]

sensual is the 60 second period before things get sexual.

 

[Silvertip]

… Do you see a definite difference between the two or arguably are they both the same? …

I'm perfectly happy to go along with my dictionary's opinion on that one. Does anybody ever check their dictionary before asking these questions?

 

[Popyuu]

I'm perfectly happy to go along with my dictionary's opinion on that one. Does anybody ever check their dictionary before asking these questions?

ha funny you say that cause i did after reading the thread title. And so far online dictionaries describe both as:

Sensual:

: relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite : fleshly
2
: sensory 1
3
a : devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites
b : voluptuous
c : deficient in moral, spiritual, or intellectual interests : worldly; especially : irreligious

(C : seems a bit wat? to me though)

Sexual:
1
: of, relating to, or associated with sex or the sexes <sexual differentiation> <sexual conflict>
2
: having or involving sex <sexual reproduction>

Gonna guess that that loosely translates to sensual being something that arouses or triggers one of the many senses by way of a general action or reaction. And sexual relating directly to a sex act. One being the road less traveled and the other going straight for the gusto. I'm sure theres some mixing of the two though.

 

[Florida Boy]

If someone was to say, describe something as 'sensual'; be it a picture, act or item, but would you define it as being compared to say something described as 'sexual'.

E.g. Sensual picture Vs. a Sexual picture

Do you see a definite difference between the two or arguably are they both the same?

Interested in your views.

Thanks,

Beans.

They are not the same. If you have to be told the difference, you'll never understand.

 

[horseymann]

"The sex was very sensual", meaning of course it felt good. I see where the 2 words look similar but different meanings. English language can be difficult at times. Especially when it comes to scrabble.