consciously
Americanadverb
-
with knowledge or awareness of one's own existence, sensations, thoughts, surroundings, etc..
Negative attitudes can be reinforced, both consciously and unconsciously, by teachers, parents, and peers.
At any moment we probably aren't consciously aware of most of the sounds around us.
-
with clear intent; deliberately.
The need to consciously make time for exercise is a relatively recent phenomenon.
-
in a way that is sustainable, or with awareness of one’s effect on the environment, society, etc..
Shop locally and consciously, and support a business that supports our community.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of consciously
Explanation
When you do something consciously, you do it on purpose, after thinking seriously about it. A kindergarten teacher might consciously choose a soothing book to calm his class down at story time. If you do something instinctively or automatically, you're not consciously choosing to do it — it's just happening. On the other hand, if you consciously invite only friends who get along with each other to your party, you've done it in a thoughtful, intentional way. The adverb consciously comes from conscious, "aware and awake," from the Latin conscius, "knowing or aware," which has a Greek root, syneidos, "to know."
Vocabulary lists containing consciously
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Consciously or not, the mix of gloomy atmosphere and melodic acumen on the track brings to mind the work of Kate Bush, whose own interpretation of Brontë’s tale was her first single.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026
Consciously or not, Wikipedia’s volunteer editors seem to have adopted a policy akin to some news publications that encourage focusing on the victims of mass shootings rather than “rewarding” the shooter with direct publicity.
From Slate • Jul. 7, 2022
Consciously or not, we're all looking for answers as to why things are so bad, and never seem to change.
From Salon • Mar. 13, 2021
Consciously trying to fight negative stereotypes his entire career, Ma says there have been many times he’s turned down lucrative acting opportunities because the roles felt like harmful stereotypes.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2020
Consciously or unconsciously they realized that these next few weeks were to mark important changes in their lives.
From The Ranch Girls at Home Again by Vandercook, Margaret
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
