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Unconscious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unconscious

[ʌnˈkɒnʃəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

mental state

Not awake and not aware of things around you, especially as the result of a medical condition or injury.

Synonyms

insensible, senseless, unaware.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unconscious

This word is typically used in medical or emergency situations to describe someone who is not awake and not aware due to injury, illness, or shock.

  • He was knocked unconscious by the fall.
  • The paramedics found her unconscious on the floor.
unaware

This word describes a state of not knowing or realizing what is happening or what exists. It is often used when someone is ignorant of certain facts or events.

  • He was unaware of the meeting's cancellation.
  • She was unaware that she was being watched.
insensible

This word is often used in a more formal context to describe someone who is incapable of feeling or perceiving things, either physically (due to cold, injury, etc.) or emotionally.

  • The patient's leg was insensible to pain after the surgery.
  • He seemed insensible to the distress his actions caused.
senseless

Use this word to describe someone who is unconscious or when referring to acts that lack meaning, logic, or purpose. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • She lay on the ground, senseless after the collision.
  • It was a senseless act of violence.

Examples of usage

  • She was found lying on the floor unconscious.
  • The patient remained unconscious for several hours after the accident.
Context #2 | Adjective

feeling or emotion

Not deliberately thought about or planned; instinctive or automatic.

Synonyms

automatic, instinctive, subconscious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unconscious

Also can describe actions or thoughts that occur without conscious awareness, similar to subconscious, but often used interchangeably with less distinction.

  • He had an unconscious tic of tapping his foot when nervous.
  • She was unaware of her unconscious biases.
subconscious

Relates to thoughts and feelings that are just below the surface of conscious awareness, influencing behavior without being directly noticed.

  • Subconscious fears often manifest in dreams.
  • He had a subconscious preference for blue without even realizing it.
automatic

Used to describe actions or processes that are done without thinking, often as a result of habit or routine.

  • Locking the door when you leave the house can become automatic after a while.
  • Her response to the question was so quick it seemed almost automatic.
instinctive

Refers to actions that are done naturally, without the need for conscious thought, often as a result of innate tendencies.

  • His instinctive reaction was to catch the falling vase.
  • Animals have an instinctive drive to protect their young.

Examples of usage

  • His actions seemed to be driven by some unconscious desire.
  • She made an unconscious decision to change careers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Sigmund Freud, a key figure in psychology, proposed that the unconscious mind holds thoughts and memories that are not readily accessible but influence behavior.
  • Modern psychology recognizes multiple levels of consciousness, including preconscious (things we can be aware of) and unconscious (those we are not aware of).

Science

  • Research indicates that unconscious processes can significantly impact decision-making, often leading to choices we aren't consciously aware of.
  • Studies in neuroscience show that our brains continue to process information even when we are not consciously aware of it, influencing our reactions.

Culture

  • In literature, the unconscious often represents hidden desires, fears, and motivations, exposing the complexity of human nature.
  • Unconscious themes are prevalent in many classic novels, allowing readers to explore deeper psychological conflicts subtly.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'Inception' and 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' explore themes surrounding the unconscious mind and memory.
  • The concept has also inspired various art movements, encouraging artists to delve into dream-like or surreal representations of reality.

Origin of 'unconscious'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin roots: 'un-' meaning 'not,' and 'conscious' which is derived from 'conscientia,' meaning 'knowledge'.
  • It was first used in English in the late 1600s, evolving from the earlier term 'conscious' which meant being aware.

The word 'unconscious' originated in the 17th century, from the Latin word 'unconscious', meaning 'not being aware'. It was first used in the context of mental states to describe a lack of awareness or consciousness. Over time, the word has evolved to also refer to actions or decisions made without conscious thought. The concept of the unconscious mind has been explored in psychology, philosophy, and literature, leading to a deeper understanding of human behavior and emotions.

See also: conscientiously, consciously, consciousness, subconscious, subconsciously, unconsciously, unconsciousness.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,159 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.