SENSUAL/SENSUOUS |
“Sensual” usually relates to physical desires and experiences, and often means “sexy.” But “sensuous” is more often used for esthetic pleasures, like “sensuous music.” The two words do overlap a good deal. The leather seats in your new car may be sensuous; but if they turn you on, they might be sensual. “Sensual” often has a slightly racy or even judgmental tone lacking in “sensuous."