Definition of CONSCIOUSNESS (original) (raw)
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
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
5
: the upper level of mental life of which the person is aware as contrasted with unconscious processes
Synonyms
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 Puzzles in Mind and History 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, 20 Sep. 2024 The film follows a lonely photographer, lost in a disconnected and isolated world dominated by virtual reality, who makes an unexpected connection with an AI, which challenges him to question the nature of consciousness and the blurred boundaries between reality and delusion. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2024 The concept of food as medicine has fully entered our consciousness. —Keren Landman, Vox, 12 Sep. 2024 Roots of extremism run deep, what's old is new again The roots of extremism in Indiana and the United States run deep, but the ascension of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s pushed the issue into the modern public consciousness. —Sade Ajishegiri, Nic Napier, Max Reich and Isabella Vesperini, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consciousness 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consciousness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of consciousness was in 1605
Dictionary Entries Near consciousness
Cite this Entry
“Consciousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consciousness. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 24 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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