consciousness
consciousness Lexical Profile
consciousness Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The state of being awake, alert, and responsive to one's surroundings.
"The patient regained consciousness shortly after the surgical procedure."
The subjective awareness or perception of internal thoughts, feelings, and external existence by the mind.
"Philosophers and neuroscientists have long debated the origins of human consciousness."
The shared beliefs, attitudes, or heightened awareness of a particular social group, community, or era.
"The documentary helped raise public consciousness about marine plastic pollution."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Consciousness' refers to the cognitive state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings, whereas 'conscience' refers to the inner moral sense of right and wrong.
• Rhymes for consciousness
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 17th century from the adjective 'conscious' plus the suffix '-ness', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'conscius' ('knowing with others' or 'aware'), from 'con-' ('together') and 'scire' ('to know').