good conscience

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A state of mind in which you feel you have acted honestly and fairly, so you have no feelings of guilt.

   Grammar: Used mainly in the phrase 'in good conscience' or 'a good conscience'; it is not usually plural.

   Patterns

   • in good conscience
   • have a good conscience
   • a good conscience about something

   She couldn't, in good conscience, accept money that wasn't hers.

   After returning the lost wallet, he had a good conscience and slept well.

   I can say in good conscience that I tried my best.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   A feeling of moral approval or inner peace that comes from doing what you believe is right.

   Grammar: Often used with 'have' or 'keep': keep a good conscience.

   Patterns

   • keep a good conscience
   • a good conscience about doing something

   He kept a good conscience by helping his neighbors.

   A good conscience is worth more than money.

Common combinations

in good conscience

I can't in good conscience recommend that restaurant after my bad experience.

have a good conscience

She has a good conscience because she always tells the truth.

a good conscience about

He felt a good conscience about his decision to donate.

keep a good conscience

It's hard to keep a good conscience when everyone around you is cheating.

Synonyms and how they differ

clear conscience

This is the more common everyday phrase and means the same thing: no guilt.

peace of mind

This focuses on calmness and lack of worry, not specifically on moral rightness.

Opposites

Word family

conscience noun

The inner sense of right and wrong.

conscientious adjective

Careful to do what is right; guided by conscience.

Commonly confused: good conscience or conscious?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “good conscience”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words