conscience

American  

[kon-shuhns] / ˈkɒn ʃəns /

noun

consciences plural

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.

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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.

conscience British  

/ 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

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conscience More Idioms  

1. see have a clear conscience; in conscience.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• consciences
  plural

Etymology

Origin of conscience

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

Explanation

A conscience is a built-in sense of what's right and what's wrong. That sick feeling in your stomach after you lied to your brother about borrowing his skateboard? That might be your conscience bothering you. The word conscience contains the word science, which comes from the Latin word scientia, meaning "to know" or "knowledge." You can think of your conscience as your knowledge of yourself, especially when it comes to your own morals, or your feelings about right and wrong. Pangs of conscience, which feel like an uncomfortable inner voice, are helpful when you're trying to decide the right thing to do in a particular situation.

Example Sentences

Victor Hugo wrote in “Les Misérables” that “the sewer is the conscience of the city,” and Mr. Paré-Poupart takes this dictum to heart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

"I set out changes I believed were necessary and the lines which I could not in good conscience go beyond. Those lines have not been accepted," he said.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

For the better part of a year, I spent myriad sleepless nights wrestling with my conscience.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

He was considered a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

Suddenly bursting into light and the vision of eight hundred eyes that had gathered to see them prevail, they spread out thoughtlessly, the layup lines forming without conscience, animals of habit.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

• shame