conscience
noun
the inner sense of right and wrong
“My conscience told me to return it.”
Easily mixed meanings
conscience vs conscious
Your conscience (noun) is your sense of right and wrong. Conscious (adjective) means awake or aware.
Quick test: Conscience contains "science" and is a thing; conscious ends in -ous like other describing words (nervous, curious).
conscious
adjective
awake; aware
“The patient is conscious now.”
Try it: which word fits?
Drop each word into the blank. The explanation tells you why one works and the other doesn't.
She was ______ of being watched.
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Questions about conscience vs conscious
What is the difference between conscience and conscious?
Your conscience (noun) is your sense of right and wrong. Conscious (adjective) means awake or aware.
How do I remember conscience vs conscious?
Conscience contains "science" and is a thing; conscious ends in -ous like other describing words (nervous, curious).
Are there exceptions?
"Self-conscious" means anxious about how others see you. "Conscientious" means careful and diligent.
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