Conscious
/ˈkɒn.ʃəs/noun
Aware of and responding to one's surroundings; awake.
Did you know?The term 'conscious' stems from Latin roots that imply being 'aware' or 'to know', linking it to ancient ideas of knowledge as a form of power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷen-
“to know or recognize.”
Latin
Latin
conscientem
“knowing, aware, or privy.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
conscientia
“knowledge or awareness.”
Middle French
Middle French
conscient
“aware, knowing.”
17th Century
English
conscious
“aware of one's existence, thoughts, and surroundings.”
Explore more surprising origins