Words / B2

KONSH-uh-s/ˈkɒnʃəs/

Conscious means aware of something, or awake: conscious of the noise, a conscious decision (deliberate), still conscious after the fall. Aware is the everyday cousin for the first sense; awake is the medical opposite of unconscious. Consciousness is the noun. In speech, aware or awake is enough. Do not confuse it with conscience (noun: sense of right and wrong). You are conscious of a mistake; your conscience tells you to put it right.

Meaning

Aware of something, or awake; not the same as conscience.

Examples

• “She was conscious of the noise in the hall.”
• “She was conscious of people waiting, so she kept the announcement short.”
• “He made a conscious choice to switch off notifications during revision.”

Good to know

Aware or awake; also deliberate (a conscious effort). Everyday: aware / awake. Noun: consciousness. Contrast: conscience = moral sense (noun).

Near in meaning

aware

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