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consciousness

n.
US //ˈkɑnʃəsnəs// UK //kˈɒnʃəsnəs// con·scious·ness
  1. 1 being awake (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    the state of being awake and able to see, hear, and think.

    the state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings. Uncountable in this sense.

    Example

    The patient slowly regained consciousness after the long operation.

    Example

    The boxer lost consciousness momentarily after the blow, but he managed to recover his senses before the referee finished the count.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'lose' or 'regain'.
    • unconsciousness
  2. 2 mental awareness (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    your mind and thoughts, and the way you notice things around you.

    the totality of the impressions, thoughts, and feelings, which make up a person's conscious being.

    Example

    The memory of the accident was always at the back of his consciousness.

    Example

    The novel explores the protagonist's inner consciousness through a series of fragmented memories and sensory observations.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'stream of consciousness' in literary contexts.
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  1. 3 shared beliefs (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal Politics

    the ideas and opinions that a group of people share about a topic.

    the shared set of ideas, attitudes, or beliefs held by a particular group or society.

    Example

    The movement aimed to change the political consciousness of the country.

    Example

    Environmental issues have finally entered the public consciousness, leading to significant changes in consumer behaviour and government policy.

    Usage

    Often modified by adjectives like 'class', 'political', or 'public'.
Origin

From conscious + -ness.

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