adj

subliminal

suh-BLIHM-ih-nuhl

Subliminal (adj) means Below the threshold of conscious awareness, though still capable of affecting thoughts or behavior. Example: “The film contained a subliminal message flashed for a fraction of a second.”

adj

Below the threshold of conscious awareness, though still capable of affecting thoughts or behavior.

"The film contained a subliminal message flashed for a fraction of a second."

"Some advertisers use subliminal cues to influence buying decisions."

How to use subliminal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that reaches your mind without you consciously noticing it.

Common pairings

subliminal message subliminal advertising

Word forms

more subliminal comparative, subliminals plural, most subliminal superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The film contained a _____ message flashed for a fraction of a second.

Etymology

From sub- ("below") plus liminal ("relating to a threshold"), from Latin līmen, "threshold."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for subliminal

final urinal spinal nominal seminal vaginal retinal criminal cardinal original terminal marginal

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Frequently asked questions

What does “subliminal” mean?

The word “subliminal” means below the threshold of conscious awareness, though still capable of affecting thoughts or behavior. In plain terms, something that reaches your mind without you consciously noticing it.

How do you pronounce “subliminal”?

“Subliminal” is pronounced suh-BLIHM-ih-nuhl (/səˈblɪm.ɪ.nəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “subliminal” in a sentence?

Here is “subliminal” used in a sentence: “The film contained a subliminal message flashed for a fraction of a second.”

What part of speech is “subliminal”?

“Subliminal” is an adjective.

Where does the word “subliminal” come from?

The word “subliminal” comes from Latin. From sub- ("below") plus liminal ("relating to a threshold"), from Latin līmen, "threshold.".