Subconscious: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'subconscious' to describe thoughts or feelings that influence behavior without being fully aware of them. It can be used in both psychological and everyday contexts.

• She had a subconscious fear of heights.
• His subconscious mind was working overtime.

Use 'unconscious' to describe processes of the mind that occur without conscious awareness. It is often used in psychological contexts and sometimes can have a clinical connotation.

• The trauma was deeply buried in her unconscious.
• He was influenced by unconscious biases.

Use 'inner self' to refer to one's true nature or inner essence. This term often connotes self-discovery or spiritual journeys.

• Meditation helped her connect with her inner self.
• He felt that he was finally true to his inner self.

Use 'hidden self' to talk about aspects of one's personality or emotions that are not visible to others. It often implies a deeper, more private layer of a person's identity.

• She revealed her hidden self during therapy sessions.
• Sometimes his hidden self would emerge in moments of stress.

This word is used to describe thoughts and feelings that exist in the mind but are not actively thought about. It is often used in psychological contexts.

• Her subconscious mind was trying to tell her something important.
• Dreams can reveal our subconscious desires and fears.

This word is used to describe a state in which a person is not awake and not aware of their surroundings, often due to injury or a medical condition. It can also refer to processes in the mind that are not within conscious awareness.

• He was knocked unconscious in the accident.
• Our unconscious mind can hold repressed memories and emotions.

Typically used in the context of marketing and psychology, this word refers to messages or stimuli that are below the threshold of conscious awareness but can influence thoughts and behavior.

• Advertisers often use subliminal messages to influence consumer behavior.
• Subliminal cues can sometimes affect our decisions without us realizing it.

This is generally used to describe something that is present but not yet visible or active. It can refer to physical, biological, or emotional states.

• The disease can remain latent for years before showing any symptoms.
• He has a latent talent for music that he's never developed.