The words sensual and sensuous are frequently used interchangeably to mean ‘gratifying the senses’, especially in a sexual sense. This goes against a traditional distinction, by which sensuous is the more neutral term, meaning ‘relating to the senses rather than the intellect’. In practice, the connotations of sensuous are such that it is difficult to use it neutrally, and evidence suggests that this use is indeed rare in modern English. If a neutral meaning is intended it is advisable to use alternative wording.