conscience

/ˈkɒn.ʃəns/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: consciences

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The ethical or moral sense of right and wrong, chiefly as it affects a person’s own behaviour and forms their attitude to their past actions.

Noun

Examples

Your conscience is your highest authority.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A personification of the moral sense of right and wrong, usually in the form of a person, a being or merely a voice that gives moral lessons and advices.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “conscience” mean?

The ethical or moral sense of right and wrong, chiefly as it affects a person’s own behaviour and forms their attitude to their past actions.

Is “conscience” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.