Conscience vs Conscious: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
The word "conscience" means moral sense, while "conscious" is used to mean being aware or awake.
Memory Tip: conscience = inner voice, conscious = awake mind
conscience ends with /ns/, conscious ends with /ʃəs/
conscience
nounConscience refers to the inner sense of moral judgment that guides an individual's thoughts and actions, often invoking feelings of guilt or righteousness in response to ethical dilemmas; it is a complex interplay of personal beliefs, societal norms, and
Example:
If he had listened to his conscience, he would have apologized for his mistake by now, despite the pressure from his peers.
Common patterns:
moral conscience
collective conscience
conscience-stricken
conscious
adjectiveThe word "conscious" refers to being aware of and able to think about one's own existence, thoughts, and surroundings.
Example:
Although she was conscious of the risks involved, she decided to invest in the new technology.
Common patterns:
conscious decision
conscious effort
conscious awareness
Common Mistakes
After the accident, he was not conscience for several hours.
After the accident, he was not conscious for several hours.
The word 'conscious' is correct because it refers to being awake or aware, which is the intended meaning here.
She has a guilty conscious about what she did.
She has a guilty conscience about what she did.
The word 'conscience' is correct because it refers to one's moral sense of right and wrong, which is the intended meaning here.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. If he had listened to his ____, he would have apologized for his mistake by now, despite the pressure from his peers.
2. Although she was ____ of the risks involved, she decided to invest in the new technology.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse conscience / conscious again
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