Unconsciously
/ʌnˈkɒnʃəsli/
Definitions
In a manner that is not consciously aware; without awareness or intention.
/ʌnˈkɒnʃəsli/
Without awareness or intent
He unconsciously started humming the song.
💡 Simply: It's like when you do something without thinking about it, like biting your nails when you're stressed or saying something you didn't mean to. You're acting unconsciously!
👶 For kids: Doing something without knowing you're doing it.
More Examples
The patient was breathing unconsciously after the accident.
She unconsciously reached for the phone when it rang.
How It's Used
"Freud believed many of our actions are driven by unconscious desires."
"She unconsciously tapped her foot when she got nervous."
"The patient moved unconsciously during the seizure."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Unconscious bias
Prejudices that exist outside of our conscious awareness.
"Unconscious biases can affect hiring decisions."
lose consciousness
To become unconscious.
"He lost consciousness after the impact."
From 'unconscious' (not aware) + '-ly' (adverb suffix). 'Unconscious' derives from the prefix 'un-' (not) + 'conscious' (aware), ultimately from Latin 'conscius' (knowing).
The word 'unconsciously' has been used in psychological and philosophical texts to describe actions or thoughts that occur without the person's awareness since the late 19th century.
Memory tip
Imagine a zombie – they move unconsciously, unaware of their actions.
Word Origin
"conscius (knowing)"