Consciousness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈkän(t)-shəs-nəs/ con·scious·ness

Meaning & Definition of Consciousness

Consciousness (noun)

  1. the quality or state of being aware especially of something within oneself
  2. the state or fact of being conscious of an external object, state, or fact
  3. awareness; especially, concern for some social or political cause

Consciousness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a state of being aware

    "a glaring problem that somehow has yet to penetrate the consciousness of the people that run this company"

    similar: advertence, advertency, attention, awareness, cognizance, ear, eye, heed, knowledge, mindfulness, note, notice, observance, observation
    related: hyperawareness, hyperconsciousness, advisement, care, concern, consideration, regard, watch, apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind, perception, recognition, thought, understanding
    near: disregard, neglect, obliviousness, unawareness

Related Entry: Self-consciousness (noun)

Self-consciousness is a different word from Consciousness. The synonyms below are for self-consciousness, not for consciousness.

  1. as in self-awareness, self-analysis

    similar: self-analysis, self-awareness, self-recognition, introspection, self-contemplation, self-examination, self-observation, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, self-searching, soul-searching, introversion, self-absorption, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-involvement, self-actualization, self-discovery, self-exploration, self-fulfillment, self-realization, self-knowledge, self-revelation, self-concept, self-image, self-perception, contemplation, meditation, reflection, rumination

Related Entry: Unself-consciousness (noun)

Unself-consciousness is a different word from Consciousness. The synonyms below are for unself-consciousness, not for consciousness.

  1. as in uninhibitedness, spontaneousness

    similar: abandon, abandonment, ease, lightheartedness, naturalness, spontaneity, spontaneousness, unconstraint, uninhibitedness, unrestraint, ardor, enthusiasm, exuberance, fervor, spirit, warmth, zeal, zealotry, zealousness, excess, excessiveness, immoderacy, incontinence, indulgence, intemperance, licentiousness, permissiveness, wantonness, wildness, carelessness, heedlessness, impulsiveness, impulsivity, indiscretion, insouciance, recklessness, thoughtlessness, blank check, carte blanche, free hand, casualness, offhandedness
    opposite: constraint, restraint, embarrassment, reserve, reticence, self-consciousness, uneasiness, inhibition, repression, self-restraint, suppression, carefulness, discreetness, discretion, heedfulness, discipline, self-command, self-control, self-denial, self-discipline, self-mastery, willpower

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Consciousness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Consciousness:

advertence, advertency, attention, awareness, cognizance, ear, eye, heed, knowledge, mindfulness, note, notice, observance, observation

Related Words for Consciousness

hyperawareness, hyperconsciousness, advisement, care, concern, consideration, regard, watch, apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind, perception, recognition, thought, understanding

Near Antonyms of Consciousness

disregard, neglect, obliviousness, unawareness

Origin & Etymology of Consciousness

First known use: 1605

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Consciousness

Words & Phrases Containing Consciousness

consciousness-raising, stream of consciousness, lose consciousness, regain consciousness, social consciousness

Frequently Asked Questions about Consciousness

What does "Consciousness" mean?

"Consciousness" means the quality or state of being aware especially of something within oneself. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality or state of being aware especially of something within oneself.

What is another word for "Consciousness"?

Other words for "Consciousness" include advertence, advertency, attention, awareness, cognizance, ear, eye and heed. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Consciousness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Consciousness"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Consciousness". Common alternatives include advertence, advertency, attention, awareness, cognizance, ear, eye, heed, knowledge and mindfulness.

How do you use "Consciousness" in a sentence?

Examples of "Consciousness" in a sentence: "a glaring problem that somehow has yet to penetrate the consciousness of the people that run this company".

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

"Consciousness" is a noun.

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

As a C1-level word, "Consciousness" 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 "Consciousness"?

"Consciousness" is pronounced /ˈkän(t)-shəs-nəs/ and divided into syllables as con·scious·ness.

What is the origin of the word "Consciousness"?

First known use: 1605.