Conscience
'kɒnʃəns
Definitions
The inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action.
'kɒnʃəns
A person's moral sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting as a guide to one's behavior.
He had a guilty conscience after the incident.
💡 Simply: Imagine your conscience as that little voice inside your head that tells you whether you should share your toys or tell a secret. It's your guide to doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. For example, after borrowing a friend's book, I felt a pang of conscience until I returned it.
👶 For kids: Your conscience is like a super-smart feeling inside you that knows what's good and what's bad.
More Examples
Her conscience wouldn't let her ignore the homeless man.
I followed my conscience and did what I thought was right.
How It's Used
"His conscience troubled him after he lied."
"The judge asked the witness to swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help them God and their conscience."
Idioms & expressions
clear conscience
A feeling of having done nothing wrong; feeling free from guilt.
"She had a clear conscience because she had always acted honestly."
a guilty conscience
The feeling of guilt caused by doing something wrong.
"He suffered from a guilty conscience after he lied to his friend."
follow your conscience
To do what you believe is right, even if it is difficult or unpopular.
"She decided to follow her conscience and report the crime."
From Middle English *conscience*, from Old French *conscience*, from Latin *conscientia* ('shared knowledge, consciousness, moral sense'), from *conscius* ('knowing with others, aware'), from *com* ('with') + *scire* ('to know').
The word 'conscience' has been used in English since the 13th century, often appearing in religious and philosophical texts to discuss moral behavior.
Memory tip
Think of it as your 'inner voice' that tells you what's right and wrong.