# subliminal

/səˈbɫɪmɪnəɫ/ (US) · /sʌblˈɪmɪnəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subliminal
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

describing something that you receive or see very quickly, so fast that you do not notice it. It is often used to describe messages or images that are hidden in a video or advertisement.

For teachers: occurring or perceived below the threshold of conscious awareness. Often used to describe visual or auditory stimuli that are presented too briefly to be consciously processed.

## Examples

- The subliminal message appears for only a fraction of a second.
- Researchers used subliminal cues to study how people react to stimuli they are not aware they have seen.
- The film's director used subliminal imagery to create a sense of unease without explicitly showing the source of the protagonist's fear.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.