Meaning & use

consciousness

noun·Academic

The state of being aware of and able to think about one's own existence and surroundings.

See it in a sentence

The patient slowly regained consciousness after several hours in the operating room.

Philosophers have long debated what consciousness actually is and where it comes from.

A note on using this word

"Raise consciousness" is a common collocation meaning to increase public awareness of a social issue.

Words with a similar meaning

awarenesssentience

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

unconsciousness

Make it your own

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