Conscious
'kɒnʃəs
Definitions
2 meaningsBeing aware of and able to respond to one's surroundings; awake.
'kɒnʃəs
Aware of and responding to one's surroundings
The patient slowly became conscious after the surgery.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a video game, and your character is 'conscious.' That means your character is awake, can see what's happening, and can react to things. It's like your brain is turned on and working!
👶 For kids: When you're awake and know what's happening around you, you're conscious!
More Examples
He remained conscious enough to give his name.
Are you conscious of the risk?
How It's Used
"She was barely conscious after the accident."
"The therapist helped the patient become more conscious of their own biases."
Done or acting with a particular purpose in mind; deliberate.
'kɒnʃəs
Deliberate and intentional
He made a conscious effort to improve his grades.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're choosing between two toys. If you pick one 'consciously,' it means you thought about it, knew what you were doing, and did it on purpose. It's a decision you're fully aware of.
👶 For kids: Doing something on purpose because you thought about it first!
More Examples
She made a conscious choice to live a simpler life.
They were conscious of the impact of their actions.
How It's Used
"She made a conscious decision to change her lifestyle."
"The company made a conscious effort to be more sustainable."
Idioms & expressions
consciousness-raising
The process of making people aware of social or political issues, often as a means of activism.
"The workshop was a form of consciousness-raising about gender inequality."
lose consciousness
To become unconscious.
"He lost consciousness after the impact."
From Latin *conscius* (knowing, aware), from *con-* (with) + *scire* (to know).
The word 'conscious' emerged in the 17th century, initially referring to an inner sense of right and wrong, and later expanded to its current meanings.
Memory tip
Think of a person who's aware of the *con*ditions of the *science* lab: they're conscious.