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conscience

noun C1 Formal

Meaning

Conscience 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
💡 While "conscience" is often associated with personal moral judgment, it is important to distinguish it from mere social conformity; individuals may act against their conscience due to external pressures, highlighting the tension between personal ethics and societal expectations.

Example Sentences

Her conscience prevented her from lying during the important meeting .
His conscience compelled him to admit the mistake immediately .
The manager ’ s conscience guided her to make ethical decisions consistently .
The researcher ’ s conscience guided ethical decisions throughout the study .

Word in Context

When Mia noticed the cashier had given her too much change , she paused and looked at the coins in her hand . The shop was quiet , and for a moment she weighed the small benefit against the certainty that keeping the money would trouble her conscience . Remembering how her parents always emphasised honesty , she walked back to the counter and explained the mistake calmly . The cashier thanked her , smiling with relief , and Mia felt unexpectedly proud for acting consistently with her values . On the way out she realised that such simple choices shape our character more than grand gestures ever could .

Common Phrases

moral conscience collective conscience conscience-stricken

Synonyms

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