Word
subconscious
Phoneticssub·con·scious, stress on the second syllable
US/səbˈkɑnʃəs/
UK/sʌbkˈɒnʃəs/
Definitions
01the hidden part of the mind
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Academic
n. the part of your mind that you are not aware of, but which influences your feelings and how you act.
n. the part of the psyche that operates below the threshold of conscious awareness. Uncountable in this sense and typically used with the definite article.
“He didn't know why he felt afraid, but something in his subconscious was bothering him.”
“Psychologists suggest that dreams are a window into the subconscious, revealing desires and fears that we do not acknowledge during our waking hours.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02not consciously aware
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Academic
adj. describes a feeling or thought that you have without realizing it.
adj. relating to or being part of the mental activities that occur without the individual's conscious perception.
“She had a subconscious habit of tapping her pen when she was nervous.”
“The marketing campaign was designed to trigger a subconscious association between the brand and a sense of luxury.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Through journaling and reading, Hannah began noticing the subconscious patterns she’d been repeating since childhood.” “But Edney says the sequestering issue allowed the “potential for communication or even subconscious influence” on the jury.” Etymology
From sub- + conscious.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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