adj B1 Intermediate Uncommon

subconscious

suhb-KON-shuhs

Subconscious (adj) means happening in the part of the mind we are not actively aware of. Example: “His subconscious fears showed up in his dreams.”

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adj

Happening in the part of the mind we are not actively aware of.

"His subconscious fears showed up in his dreams."

noun

The part of the mind that works below our conscious awareness.

"Advertisers hope their jingles sink into your subconscious."

How to use subconscious

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe mental background running beneath your everyday awareness, that still shapes what you think and do.

Common mistake

Subconscious describes mental activity you can sometimes bring to awareness with effort; unconscious usually means total lack of awareness (as in being knocked out).

Easily confused with

unconscious →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more subconscious comparative, subconsciouses plural, most subconscious superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His _____ fears showed up in his dreams.

Etymology

From sub- ("below") plus conscious.

Synonyms

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subconscious mind

Rhymes for subconscious

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

See all rhymes for subconscious →

Frequently asked questions

What does “subconscious” mean?

The word “subconscious” means happening in the part of the mind we are not actively aware of. In plain terms, the mental background running beneath your everyday awareness, that still shapes what you think and do.

How do you pronounce “subconscious”?

“Subconscious” is pronounced suhb-KON-shuhs (/sʌbˈkɑn.ʃəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “subconscious” in a sentence?

Here is “subconscious” used in a sentence: “His subconscious fears showed up in his dreams.”

What part of speech is “subconscious”?

Depending on how it is used, “subconscious” can be an adjective and a noun.

Is “subconscious” a common word?

“Subconscious” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “subconscious” have?

“Subconscious” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening in the part of the mind we are not actively aware of.

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