conscience
KON-shuhns
Conscience (noun) means an inner sense of right and wrong that shapes a person's behavior and feelings about their own actions. Example: “Her conscience told her to hand the lost wallet in at the desk.”
noun
1
An inner sense of right and wrong that shapes a person's behavior and feelings about their own actions.
"Her conscience told her to hand the lost wallet in at the desk."
"Your conscience is your highest authority."
"His conscience wouldn't let him keep the extra change the cashier gave him."
"She had a guilty conscience about lying to her parents."
How to use conscience
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe inner voice that tells you whether something you did was right or wrong.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "conscious" (aware) — conscience is about morality, not awareness.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a clear conscience
a guilty conscience
in good conscience
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Word forms
- Plural
- consciences
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ told her to hand the lost wallet in at the desk.
Etymology
From Old French "conscience," from Latin "conscientia," meaning "knowledge within oneself," from "com-" ("together") and "scire" ("to know").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for conscience
See all rhymes for conscience →Frequently asked questions
What does “conscience” mean?
The word “conscience” means an inner sense of right and wrong that shapes a person's behavior and feelings about their own actions. In plain terms, the inner voice that tells you whether something you did was right or wrong.
How do you pronounce “conscience”?
“Conscience” is pronounced KON-shuhns (/ˈkɑn.ʃəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “conscience” in a sentence?
Here is “conscience” used in a sentence: “His conscience wouldn't let him keep the extra change the cashier gave him.”
What part of speech is “conscience”?
“Conscience” is a noun.
Where does the word “conscience” come from?
The word “conscience” comes from Latin. From Old French "conscience," from Latin "conscientia," meaning "knowledge within oneself," from "com-" ("together") and "scire" ("to know").
Is “conscience” a common word?
“Conscience” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between 'conscience' and 'consciousness'?
Conscience is your inner sense of right and wrong that guides your behaviour and how you feel about your actions. Consciousness is the state of being awake and aware of your surroundings and thoughts. Despite the similar spelling, they refer to very different things.
What is the difference between 'conscience' and 'conscious'?
'Conscience' is a noun naming your inner sense of right and wrong, while 'conscious' is an adjective meaning awake, aware, or deliberate. You act against your conscience, but you make a conscious decision.
