Conscious Meaning

UK /ˈkɒnʃəs/
US /ˈkɑːnʃəs/
Word Definition
conscious meaning

Conscious Definition & Usage

adjective

Being aware of and able to perceive or understand one's surroundings, thoughts, and feelings.

Examples

  • "She was fully conscious during the entire surgery, although she felt no pain."
  • "He became conscious of the fact that everyone was staring at him."
  • "The patient was conscious and alert after the procedure."
  • "I was conscious of the time slipping away as I rushed through the meeting."
  • "At first, she wasn't conscious of how loud the music was until the neighbors complained."
adjective

Done with full awareness, intention, or purpose, often contrasted with automatic or unconscious actions.

Examples

  • "He made a conscious decision to quit his job and pursue his passion for photography."
  • "Her conscious efforts to stay calm during the interview paid off."
  • "They were conscious of the need to conserve energy during the power outage."
  • "The company took conscious steps to improve its sustainability practices."
  • "He didn't just happen to say those words; it was a conscious attempt to provoke a reaction."
adjective

Being aware of social or ethical issues, often associated with a sense of responsibility or concern.

Examples

  • "She is very conscious of the impact her actions have on the environment."
  • "The public has become more conscious of the effects of plastic waste."
  • "He is socially conscious and always supports causes related to human rights."
  • "They are conscious of the challenges faced by marginalized communities."
  • "We must remain conscious of the ethical implications of our choices."

Cultural Context

The term 'conscious' originates from the Latin word 'conscientia,' meaning 'knowledge within' or 'awareness.' Over time, its usage expanded in English to encompass different aspects of awareness, from the physical and mental state to deliberate intent and ethical concerns.

The Power of Being Conscious

Story

The Power of Being Conscious

On a warm afternoon, Emma sat in the quiet corner of a café, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. Her mind was clear, but it wasn’t always like this. A year ago, she had been swept up in the rush of life, unconscious of the small moments that slipped by unnoticed. The sounds of the café, the hum of conversation, the scent of fresh pastries – these were the things she had missed in her hurried life. But today, she was fully conscious of them, each detail a small part of the world she had almost forgotten to appreciate. As she sipped her drink, Emma reflected on how much her life had changed. It had been a conscious decision to leave her corporate job behind and pursue her passion for writing. She had been terrified at first, unsure whether her decision was the right one. But now, sitting here, she knew it had been the right choice. She felt aware of every decision she had made along the way, from the small actions of choosing time with her family to the deliberate act of taking a risk for something she truly loved. Her friend Sarah arrived, waving excitedly. Emma greeted her with a warm smile. 'It’s great to see you so conscious of the time today,' Emma joked, glancing at the clock. 'We always seem to run late.' Sarah laughed. 'I know! But today I made a conscious effort to be here on time, especially since we’re talking about your big decision.' As they chatted about life, Emma noticed how much more aware she had become of the impact her decisions had on the world around her. She was conscious of the food she ate, the products she used, and the causes she supported. It wasn’t just about making deliberate choices for herself anymore – she felt a deep responsibility to make choices that aligned with her values. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Emma realized something profound: being conscious, truly aware of her thoughts, actions, and the world around her, had made her life fuller. She no longer felt like life was happening to her – she was actively participating in it, shaping it, and creating a future that aligned with who she truly wanted to be.

The Power of Being Conscious