Word
consciously
Phoneticscon·scious·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑnʃəsɫi/
UK/kˈɒnʃəsli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that you are fully aware of what you are doing. You use this when you make a choice on purpose, not by accident.
adv. in a manner involving full awareness and deliberate intent; not automatic or unconscious.
Examples
“She consciously chose to ignore the rude comment.”
“He consciously slowed his breathing to calm his nerves before the speech.”
“The author consciously avoided using complex metaphors to ensure the narrative remained accessible to a younger audience.”
Examples
simple
“She consciously chose to ignore the rude comment.”
contextual
“He consciously slowed his breathing to calm his nerves before the speech.”
complex
“The author consciously avoided using complex metaphors to ensure the narrative remained accessible to a younger audience.”
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb or after the auxiliary verb.
Real-World Examples
“Most people feel younger than they are, so it is rare for most to consciously reflect on their own ideas about growing older.” “You don’t consciously calculate where to place every foot or which muscles to contract.” Etymology
From conscious + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/consciously