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

Pacala rejected the concern that BP’s influence on their thinking might be subtle, stating that people who are subconsciously influenced in this way have “weak character.”

From Salon • Jun. 26, 2026

"Did I at best subconsciously treat Peter Mandelson differently because I believed him to have influence and power within the Labour party?" he said.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

I feel like we all subconsciously know that it’s not good for us to be relentless workaholics, to always be striving, always moving our own goal posts.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

If the nephew inherits what remains after her long-term care, is there an incentive, even subconsciously, to minimize expenses?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

We begin to feel subconsciously that / is somehow more genteel than me, even in cases where me is the right choice—for instance, after a preposition.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner