CONSCIOUSNESS • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Consciousness

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/kˈɑnʃəsnəs/ Listen

noun

Consciousness n.

The state of being conscious; knowledge of one's own existence, condition, sensations, mental operations, acts, etc. "Consciousness is thus, on the one hand, the recognition by the mind or "ego" of its acts and affections; in other words, the self-affirmation that certain modifications are known by me, and that these modifications are mine."

Immediate knowledge or perception of the presence of any object, state, or sensation. See the Note under Attention. "Annihilate the consciousness of the object, you annihilate the consciousness of the operation." "And, when the steam Which overflowed the soul had passed away, A consciousness remained that it had left.... images and precious thoughts That shall not die, and can not be destroyed." "The consciousness of wrong brought with it the consciousness of weakness."

Feeling, persuasion, or expectation; esp., inward sense of guilt or innocence. (R.) "An honest mind is not in the power of a dishonest: to break its peace there must be some guilt or consciousness."

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Etymology of 'Consciousness'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Consciousness" Quotes from Famous Books

... and it is this constant dread which has made me rush from one dissipation to another—so that I should never have time to wake up to full consciousness. ...

— Plays by August Strindberg, Second series • August Strindberg

... gave a nod of his head and Towsley opened to admit his friend. In all his little life he had never been so well, so completely clothed as he was at that moment; and the consciousness of being suitably dressed went far toward giving him the ease of manner which belonged to the "gentleman" ...

— Divided Skates • Evelyn Raymond

... she had decided that she would gain infinitely more by playing the part of wronged innocence. When she received her invitation she had already heard that Constance was in New York and likely to remain there for a time. This influenced her to accept Marjorie's hospitality. Her own consciousness of guilt would not permit her to go to any place where she would meet the accusing scorn of Constance's blue eyes. Then, too, she had still another motive in attending the party. She had always looked upon Lawrence ...

— Marjorie Dean - High School Sophomore • Pauline Lester

... significance, which, I think, is the source of the delight we take in them. The song of the bobolink to me expresses hilarity; the song sparrow's, faith; the bluebird's, love; the catbird's, pride; the white-eyed flycatcher's, self-consciousness; that of the hermit thrush spiritual serenity: while there is something military in ...

— Wake-Robin • John Burroughs

... ease in manner, though very far from happy, for she was restlessly eager for a talk with Philip; while he was resolved not to seek a private interview, sure that it would excite suspicion, and willing to lose the consciousness of ...

— The Heir of Redclyffe • Charlotte M. Yonge

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