Consciousness
/ˈkɒnʃəsnəs/noun
The state of being aware of and able to think and perceive one's surroundings, thoughts, and feelings.
Did you know?The word 'consciousness' derives from Latin roots that imply 'knowing together', hinting at a collective awareness that intertwines us all.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷen-
“to know or perceive.”
Latin
Latin
conscientia
“knowledge or awareness, derived from 'conscire', meaning 'to be aware of'.”
Old French
Old French
conscience
“awareness or knowledge of one's own moral character.”
Middle English
Middle English
conscience
“knowledge of oneself; moral awareness.”
Modern English
English
consciousness
“the state of being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings.”
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