ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unconsciously

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌənˈkɑnʃəsɫi// UK //ʌnkˈɒnʃəsli// un·con·scious·ly

adv. to do something without realizing it or without thinking about it.

adv. occurring without conscious awareness or deliberate intent. Typically modifies verbs related to physical habits, speech patterns, or emotional reactions.


SIMPLE

He unconsciously tapped his foot while waiting for the bus.

CONTEXTUAL

Many people unconsciously mirror the body language of the person they are talking to during a conversation.

COMPLEX

The witness unconsciously altered her testimony to align with the leading questions posed by the investigators, demonstrating how easily memory can be influenced by external suggestion.

Antonyms
Origin

From un- + consciously, and more rarely, from unconscious + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of the clause.

Pitfall

He did it unconsciousHe did it unconsciouslyLearners often use the adjective 'unconscious' (meaning knocked out or asleep) when they need the adverb 'unconsciously' to describe how an action was performed.

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