conscience

[kon-shuhns]

noun

1. the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action.

   to follow the dictates of conscience.

2. the complex of ethical and moral principles that controls or inhibits the actions or thoughts of an individual.

3. an inhibiting sense of what is prudent.

   I'd eat another piece of pie but my conscience would bother me.

4. conscientiousness.

5. Obsolete.,  consciousness; self-knowledge.

6. Obsolete.,  strict and reverential observance.

conscience

/ ˈkɒnʃəns /

noun

1. 1. the sense of right and wrong that governs a person's thoughts and actions

   2. regulation of one's actions in conformity to this sense

   3. a supposed universal faculty of moral insight

2. conscientiousness; diligence

3. a feeling of guilt or anxiety

   he has a conscience about his unkind action

4. obsolete,  consciousness

5. 1. with regard to truth and justice

   2. certainly

6. causing feelings of guilt or remorse

Other Word Forms

• conscienceless adjective
• consciencelessly adverb
• consciencelessness noun
• subconscience noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscience¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin conscientia “knowledge, awareness, conscience”; equivalent to con- + science

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscience¹

C13: from Old French, from Latin conscientia knowledge, consciousness, from conscīre to know; see _conscious

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. have something on one's conscience, to feel guilty about something, as an act that one considers wrong.

   She behaves as if she had something on her conscience.

2. in all conscience, Also in conscience.

   1. in all reason and fairness.

   2. certainly; assuredly.

see have a clear conscience; in conscience.

Example Sentences

"It's a crime that shocks the conscience of humanity which cannot even be imagined in a healthy and civilised society," the order added.

From BBC

Beyond contributing to the vision of the orchestra, Salonen, as someone outside the administration, could also serve as the conscience of the organization.

From Los Angeles Times

We could call that bad conscience, but why be judgmental?

From Salon

“The frauds found here,” he wrote, “leap off the page and shock the conscience.”

From Los Angeles Times

We can also suppose that his violent language that usually results in death threats does not trouble their consciences, as it retaliates against people his voters regard as evil or even demonic.

From Salon

Related Words

• shame