subconsciously

American  

[suhb-kon-shuhs-lee] / sʌbˈkɒn ʃəs li /

adverb

1. beneath or beyond the conscious mind.

   Your brain subconsciously processes a lot of the day’s information while you sleep.

2. without conscious understanding or desire.

   I grew up subconsciously internalizing the stereotypes I saw in movies, TV shows, and advertisements.

   I heard footsteps approaching behind me, and my pace quickened subconsciously.

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Other Word Forms

• nonsubconsciously adverb

Etymology

Origin of subconsciously

subconscious ( def. ) + -ly

Compare meaning

How does subconsciously compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• subconsciously vs. unconsciously

Example Sentences

By subconsciously mirroring even the subtlest twitches of expression and biological rhythms of other people, we can channel their thoughts and feelings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Maybe subconsciously they switched off - an idea floated by Farrell, then shot down by Itoje.

From BBC • Jul. 20, 2025

I thought that was so cool, because I think, subconsciously, we all do that.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025

“There’s a reservoir of trust built up for Ellen and myself because of the years we’ve spent onscreen, subconsciously convincing people that when we speak, we’re the voice of reason,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

Arthur had been warned about this by Merlyn—who was now safely locked 19 in bis cave by the fickle Nimue—and he had been fearing it subconsciously.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White