Meaning & Definition of word "Conscience"
to
Conscience
/ˈkɒnʃəns/
noun:
- 1. An inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one's behavior.
- Example: Her conscience troubled her after she lied to her friends.
- 2. The awareness of moral or ethical significance of one's actions.
- Example: He had a clear conscience after donating to charity.
- 3. A source of moral or ethical guidance.
- Example: The decision weighed heavily on his conscience, as he considered the possible consequences.
Etymology
From Latin 'conscientia' meaning 'knowledge within'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
clear conscience:
A feeling of peace or guiltlessness regarding one's actions.
conscience money:
Money paid or given as penance for previous actions.
to have a guilty conscience:
To feel regret or guilt for something one has done.
Related Words
conscientious:
Wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly.
unconscionable:
Not guided by conscience; morally unacceptable.
self-awareness:
Having conscious knowledge of one's own character and feelings.
Slang Meanings of conscience
Meaning: Guilt trip
Example Sentence: Don't give me a guilt trip about not helping out!
Meaning: Voice of reason
Example Sentence: I had to listen to my voice of reason before making that decision.