conscience

American  

[kon-shuhns] / ˈkɒn ʃəns /

noun

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

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

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

"This is no longer just about politics. This is about conscience, duty and the future of our nation," Representative Bienvenido Abante said immediately after the vote.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

But I’m not aware of a single occasion when someone grew a conscience and turned away from the outrage machine and the money and fame it can bring.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

King Charles III's speech to the US Congress last week was a "high stakes" moment, a senior royal aide has said, but one that stayed true to the monarch's personal "conscience".

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Bernthal, who plays Sonny, has his own wayward machismo and hapless sensitivity, the very qualities that made Al Pacino unforgettable in the role of the bungling bandit with a Catholic conscience.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Since it’s not my water to give, I get around the crisis of conscience that would come from withholding the ÁguaViva from the Water Angel.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• shame