Here's why:
* One powerful image can be more effective than multiple vague ones. A single word like "cinnamon" might conjure the smell, taste, and texture of the spice, while a phrase like "the soft, blue sky" might only vaguely appeal to sight and touch.
* The impact depends on the reader's experience. A word like "thunder" might evoke sound and even a feeling of fear for one person, but only a sound for another.
What makes sensory language effective:
* Specificity: Using precise and vivid words to paint a clear picture in the reader's mind.
* Engagement: Activating the reader's senses, making them feel like they are experiencing what is being described.
* Conveying emotion: Using sensory details to evoke specific emotions in the reader.
In essence, sensory language is about using words that trigger a sensory response in the reader, regardless of the number of senses involved.