Consciously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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consciously

[ˈkɒnʃəsli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in awareness

in a way that involves thinking about what you are doing and why you are doing it

Synonyms

deliberately, intentionally, mindfully, purposefully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
consciously	Used when someone is aware of their actions or decisions and knows what they are doing. She consciously decided to eat healthier foods. He was consciously trying to be more patient with his colleagues.
deliberately	Used when someone does something on purpose or after careful thought. It often implies a slower or more careful approach. She deliberately chose her words to avoid causing offense. The artist deliberately worked on the painting for years to perfect it.
intentionally	Used when someone does something with a specific aim or goal in mind. It often implies a definite and clear intention. He intentionally left out some details from his story. She intentionally wore her brightest dress to stand out at the party.
purposefully	Used when someone does something with a clear sense of purpose or determination. It often implies a strong focus and vigor. She walked purposefully to the podium, ready to give her speech. He purposefully rearranged his schedule to make time for his new project.
mindfully	Used when someone is fully present and aware in the moment, often associated with meditation or practices that focus on awareness. She ate mindfully, savoring each bite and enjoying the flavors. He approached the tasks mindfully, giving each one his full attention.

Examples of usage

She had to consciously remind herself to take deep breaths.
He consciously made an effort to be more positive.
I am consciously trying to improve my communication skills.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a mindful manner

in a way that shows an awareness of one's own thoughts and feelings

Synonyms

attentively, awarely, mindfully, sensitively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
consciously	When you want to convey that someone is doing something with full awareness and intent. She consciously made the decision to switch careers. He was consciously avoiding eye contact.
mindfully	When someone is paying deliberate attention to their thoughts, feelings, or surroundings, often used in contexts like meditation or self-awareness. He ate his meal mindfully, savoring every bite. She walked through the park mindfully, appreciating the beauty of nature.
awarely	This is not commonly used in everyday English. 'Aware' is typically used instead.
sensitively	When someone is showing understanding, or acting with awareness of others' feelings and emotions. Can sometimes have a negative connotation if someone is overly affected by something. He handled the situation sensitively, ensuring no one's feelings were hurt. She responded sensitively to the criticism.
attentively	When someone is focusing carefully on something, often in the context of listening or observing. The students listened attentively to the teacher. She watched the performance attentively, noting every detail.

Examples of usage

She spoke consciously, choosing her words carefully.
He ate the food consciously, savoring each bite.
They walked consciously through the forest, appreciating the beauty of nature.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Conscious awareness is crucial for decision-making, allowing individuals to weigh options and consequences.
Mindfulness practices encourage a 'conscious' mindset, promoting mental well-being by focusing on the present moment.
Research in cognitive science suggests that only a fraction of our thoughts are conscious, with many occurring subconsciously.

Philosophy

The study of consciousness has puzzled philosophers for centuries, probing questions about self-awareness and existence.
Renowned philosopher Descartes famously stated 'Cogito, ergo sum' ('I think, therefore I am'), linking thought with conscious existence.
Debates in philosophy often separate consciousness from the unconscious mind, exploring how each influences behavior.

Pop Culture

Songs and films that focus on self-awareness, like 'The Matrix', explore themes of conscious versus subconscious reality.
In literature, characters often undergo a journey of conscious awareness, discovering their true feelings and motivations.
Social movements today emphasize conscious consumerism, urging people to consider the impact of their purchases on the world.

Science

Neurologists study brain activity to understand how conscious thought arises and the roles different brain regions play.
Altered states of consciousness, like those experienced during dreaming, provide insights into the human mind's complexities.
The phenomenon of selective attention showcases how consciousness can be focused on specific stimuli, often filtering out distractions.

Origin of 'consciously'

Main points about word origin

The word 'consciously' comes from the Latin root 'conscius', meaning 'aware' or 'knowing'.
In English, the term has evolved since the early 1600s, gaining popularity in psychological contexts.
The suffix '-ly' indicates that it describes the manner in which something is done, implying awareness in actions.

The word 'consciously' originates from the Latin word 'conscius', which means 'knowing, aware'. It was first used in the early 17th century to describe actions done with awareness and intent. Over time, 'consciously' has become a key term in psychology and philosophy, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and intentional behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,012 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8009 reluctance
8010 swollen
8011 monastery
8012 consciously
8013 expressive
8014 shouting
8015 optic
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