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conscience

noun

/ˈkɒnʃns/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of conscience

An inner sense of what is right or wrong that helps to guide a person's actions and decisions.
"He had a clear conscience, knowing that he had done the right thing."

Detailed meaning of conscience

It is an inner sense of morality that helps us distinguish between right and wrong, and it can also be described as the voice of our moral compass. Conscience is a personal and subjective concept, and it can vary from person to person, and also change over time depending on one's values, beliefs, and experiences.

In a psychological and philosophical perspective, conscience is seen as a part of the psyche that helps to regulate one's behavior and decision-making. It can be thought of as the inner voice that tells us to do the right thing, even when it may be difficult or challenging. Many people report feeling guilty or uneasy when they have acted against their conscience.

In a religious perspective, conscience is often seen as the voice of God or a higher power communicating with an individual, and it is an integral part of many religious and spiritual traditions. Many religious traditions view conscience as a sacred responsibility, and it is often considered a moral guide that should be followed.

The term "conscience" also has legal and moral implications and it is often used in the context of conscience clauses, which allow individuals or organizations to refrain from taking actions that would go against their conscience, such as in the case of medical personnel refusing to perform certain procedures on religious or moral grounds.

Example sentences containing conscience

1. His conscience weighed heavily on him after making that unethical decision.
2. A clear conscience is a priceless treasure in the realm of ethics.
3. She followed her conscience, even when it meant standing alone.
4. The voice of conscience whispered, urging him to do the right thing.
5. Guilt gnawed at his conscience, reminding him of his misdeeds.
6. A strong conscience is the compass of moral integrity.

History and etymology of conscience

The noun 'conscience' has its etymological origins in Latin. It comes from the Latin word 'conscientia,' which is a combination of 'con-' (meaning 'together with') and 'scientia' (meaning 'knowledge' or 'awareness'). In its original Latin form, 'conscientia' signified a shared knowledge or awareness, particularly in the sense of moral awareness or the inner sense of what is right or wrong. As Latin evolved into Old French, 'conscientia' became 'conscience,' retaining its sense of inner moral knowledge or awareness that guides a person's actions and decisions. The etymology of 'conscience' effectively conveys the idea of an inner moral compass or awareness that accompanies individuals in making ethical choices, emphasizing its role as a noun used to describe the inherent sense of right and wrong that influences human behavior and decision-making.

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Further usage examples of conscience

1. Their shared values aligned their consciences in unity.
2. Conscience is the ultimate judge of one's character.
3. A guilty conscience can be more punishing than any punishment.
4. He couldn't escape the relentless grip of his guilty conscience.
5. Her conscience guided her to help those in need.
6. Conscience is the guardian of our moral principles.
7. An awakened conscience can lead to profound personal growth.
8. The weight of his conscience made him seek redemption.
9. Conscience is the mirror reflecting our moral choices.
10. His actions reflected a clear and unwavering conscience.
11. The courtroom was a battleground of competing consciences.
12. A troubled conscience can haunt even the darkest soul.
13. Conscience often serves as the silent arbiter of ethical dilemmas.
14. She trusted her conscience to navigate life's moral complexities.
15. He had a clear conscience, knowing that he had done the right thing.
16. She couldn't shake the feeling of guilt, her conscience was nagging her.
17. He followed his conscience, even if it meant going against popular opinion.
18. She couldn't live with herself if she didn't speak up, her conscience wouldn't let her be silent.
19. He was guided by his conscience in making important decisions.
20. She couldn't ignore her conscience, and decided to confess her mistake.
21. He was proud of his conscience, knowing that he had always done his best to be honest and fair.
22. She was conflicted, her conscience was telling her one thing, but her emotions were telling her another.
23. He was able to sleep well at night, his conscience was clear.
24. She couldn't ignore her conscience, and ended the relationship that was causing her moral turmoil.
25. He always tried to do what his conscience told him was right, even if it was difficult.
26. She had a guilty conscience, knowing that she had hurt someone she cared about.

Suffix -ence, Character Traits and Behavior, Certainty and Conviction, Challenges and Difficulties, Choices and Decisions, Clarity and Candor, Control and Discipline, Decision and Discretion, Acumen and Insight, Middle School 11, Morality and Influence

character,scruples

ethics,gut,heart,mind,morals,principles,soul,standards,values