Conscience — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈkän(t)-shən(t)s/ con·science

Meaning & Definition of Conscience

Conscience (noun)

  1. the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good
  2. a faculty, power, or principle (as in an individual or group) that steers toward what is right and away from what is wrong
  3. the part of the superego that transmits commands and admonitions to the ego

Conscience (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one's internal sense of right and wrong

    "Her conscience told her to find the lost wallet's owner."

    similar: ethics, morality, morals, principles, scruples, standards, values, character, mind, belly, blood, bone(s), bosom, breast, core, gut, heart, heartstrings, inner space, inside, quick, soul

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Conscience

The most common words with a similar meaning to Conscience:

ethics, morality, morals, principles, scruples, standards, values, character, mind, belly, blood, bone(s), bosom, breast, core, gut, heart, heartstrings, inner space, inside, quick, soul

Word Forms of Conscience

Derived words: conscienceless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Conscience

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin conscientia, from conscient-, consciens, present participle of conscire to be conscious, be conscious of guilt, from com- + scire to know science

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Conscience

Words & Phrases Containing Conscience

conscience money, conscience-stricken, in all conscience, crise de conscience, clear conscience, guilty/troubled conscience, matter of (individual) conscience, one's conscience pricks (oneself), on one's conscience

Frequently Asked Questions about Conscience

What does "Conscience" mean?

"Conscience" means the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good. As a noun, it is defined as: the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good.

What is another word for "Conscience"?

Other words for "Conscience" include ethics, morality, morals, principles, scruples, standards, values and character. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Conscience" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Conscience"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Conscience". Common alternatives include ethics, morality, morals, principles, scruples, standards, values, character, mind and belly.

How do you use "Conscience" in a sentence?

Examples of "Conscience" in a sentence: "Her conscience told her to find the lost wallet's owner.".

Is "Conscience" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Conscience" is a noun.

Is "Conscience" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Conscience" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Conscience"?

"Conscience" is pronounced /ˈkän(t)-shən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as con·science.

What is the origin of the word "Conscience"?

"Conscience" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin conscientia, from conscient-, consciens, present participle of conscire to be conscious, be conscious of guilt, from com- + scire to know science. First known use: 13th century.