consciousness
noun
con·scious·ness
ˈkän(t)-shəs-nəs 
1
a
: the quality or state of being aware especially of something within oneself
b
: the state or fact of being conscious of an external object, state, or fact
c
: awareness
especially
: concern for some social or political cause
The organization aims to raise the political consciousness of teenagers.
2
: the state of being characterized by sensation, emotion, volition, and thought : mind
3
: the totality of conscious states of an individual
4
: the normal state of conscious life
regained consciousness
5
: the upper level of mental life of which the person is aware as contrasted with unconscious processes
Examples of consciousness in a Sentence
The medication caused her to enter an altered state of consciousness.
The events have become part of the national consciousness.
He hopes that he can raise public consciousness of the disease.
Recent Examples on the Web
Through his workshops and teachings, Chaudhary provides actionable tools that leaders can use immediately:
Techniques for self-awareness and higher consciousness to enhance decision-making under pressure.
—
William Jones, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Fluorescence as a means of colour signal enhancement Cody Cottier is a contributing writer at Discover who loves exploring big questions about the universe and our home planet, the nature of consciousness, the ethical implications of science and more.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
One of the greatest mysteries facing humanity is how the activation or firing of our neurons relates to our ability to think and somehow gives rise to a sense of sentience and consciousness.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Over time, the pressure from the bleeding compresses the brain and can lead to headaches, confusion, loss of consciousness and even death.
—Kayla Keegan, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for consciousness
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William Jones, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Fluorescence as a means of colour signal enhancement Cody Cottier is a contributing writer at Discover who loves exploring big questions about the universe and our home planet, the nature of consciousness, the ethical implications of science and more.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
One of the greatest mysteries facing humanity is how the activation or firing of our neurons relates to our ability to think and somehow gives rise to a sense of sentience and consciousness.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Over time, the pressure from the bleeding compresses the brain and can lead to headaches, confusion, loss of consciousness and even death.
—Kayla Keegan, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for consciousness
Articles Related to consciousness
Cite this Entry
“Consciousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consciousness. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
consciousness
noun
con·scious·ness
ˈkän-chəs-nəs
1
: the condition of being conscious
2
: the normal state of conscious life in contrast to sleep or an insensible state
3
: the part of mental life that involves conscious thought and awareness
Medical Definition
consciousness
noun
con·scious·ness
ˈkän-chə-snəs
1
: the totality in psychology of sensations, perceptions, ideas, attitudes, and feelings of which an individual or a group is aware at any given time or within a given time span
altered states of consciousness, such as sleep, dreaming and hypnosis—Bob Gaines
Bob Gaines2
: waking life (as that to which one returns after sleep, trance, or fever) in which one's normal mental powers are present
the ether wore off and the patient regained consciousness
3
: the upper part of mental life of which the person is aware as contrasted with unconscious processes
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