noun
consciousness
The state of being awake and aware, or awareness of something.
She regains consciousness and asks the nurse where she is.
Etymology
The Latin adjective describes knowing or awareness. Consciousness names that condition, from general wakeful awareness to awareness directed toward one particular matter.
More examples
- He loses consciousness for a few seconds after the fall.
- The campaign raises public consciousness of the need to conserve water.
- Pain slowly enters his consciousness as the medicine wears off.
Forms
conscious adjective — Awake and aware of yourself and surroundings.
Similar words
- awareness
- Emphasizes noticing or knowing something rather than being awake.
- wakefulness
- Means being awake, without necessarily focusing on awareness.