Meaning & Definition of Conscience in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: The sense of moral judgment that distinguishes right from wrong.

  Example Sentence: She could not silence her conscience and chose to confess her mistakes.

• Definition: A feeling of guilt or regret for having done something wrong.

  Example Sentence: He felt a twinge of conscience after lying to his friend.

• Definition: Awareness of moral or ethical importance of one's actions.

  Example Sentence: Her conscience compelled her to help those in need.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'conscientia' meaning 'knowledge within'.

Synonyms

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.

Translations

• Spanish: conciencia

• French: conscience

• German: Gewissen

• Russian: совесть

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.