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Unconsciously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unconsciously

[ʌnˈkɒnʃəsli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in psychology

Without realizing or being aware of one's actions or surroundings.

Synonyms

automatically, subconsciously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unconsciously

Used when someone does something without being aware of it. This can happen during actions like sleepwalking or habits developed over time.

  • She unconsciously tapped her foot to the rhythm of the music.
  • John rubbed his eyes unconsciously as he read.
subconsciously

Describes actions influenced by the part of the mind that is not fully aware. Often related to feelings or desires that affect behavior without conscious thought.

  • He subconsciously avoided walking past the old house.
  • She might have subconsciously chosen that dress because it reminds her of a happy time.
automatically

Refers to actions done without thinking due to habit or instinct. Often used in repetitive tasks or when describing a reflex.

  • She automatically checked her phone first thing in the morning.
  • When the lights turned red, he automatically pressed the brake pedal.

Examples of usage

  • She unconsciously tapped her foot on the floor while lost in thought.
  • He unconsciously clenched his fists during the stressful meeting.
  • I unconsciously reached for my phone to check the time.
Context #2 | Adverb

in everyday language

Without being intentional or deliberately.

Synonyms

inadvertently, unintentionally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unconsciously

This is a duplicate and is previously described.
inadvertently

This word is used when an action occurs without intention or by accident. It's often used when the unintentional action leads to an unforeseen or undesired consequence.

  • He inadvertently left his keys at home.
  • She inadvertently offended her friend with her comments.
unintentionally

This word is used when someone does something not on purpose. It emphasizes that there was no intention behind the action, although the person might be aware of what they did.

  • He unintentionally hurt her feelings with his joke.
  • The error in the report was made unintentionally.

Examples of usage

  • She unconsciously hurt his feelings with her thoughtless comment.
  • He unconsciously imitated his favorite actor's mannerisms without even realizing it.
  • They unconsciously adopted a similar writing style after collaborating on a project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Many actions, like habits or reactions to certain situations, often happen without us realizing it, showing how our brain works automatically.
  • Sigmund Freud suggested that our unconscious mind greatly influences our feelings and behaviors, even if we don't know it.
  • Dreams can reveal our unconscious thoughts and desires, often illustrating what we might not acknowledge when we're awake.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers argue about the nature of consciousness and its boundaries, exploring how much of our behavior is truly voluntary.
  • Some thinkers ponder if we can ever be fully conscious of our choices, suggesting that many decisions might stem from unconscious biases.
  • The dichotomy between conscious and unconscious actions raises questions about moral responsibility for unintended outcomes.

Cultural References

  • In popular media, characters often act unconsciously, leading to humor or dramatic situations, like forgetting an important event.
  • Artists have explored the unconscious in their work, such as surrealist paintings that seek to depict dreams and hidden emotions.
  • The concept appears frequently in storytelling, where characters make choices driven by subconscious motivations, often leading to plot twists.

Cognitive Science

  • Studies show that our unconscious mind can process information more quickly than our conscious mind, aiding decision-making.
  • Implicit biases operate at an unconscious level, often influencing our thoughts and actions without our awareness.
  • Research indicates that many of our skills, like driving or playing an instrument, are often performed unconsciously through practice.

Literature

  • Authors like Franz Kafka used themes of unconscious decision-making to create surreal and thought-provoking narratives.
  • In modern literature, characters' journeys often represent a struggle between conscious desires and unconscious fears.
  • The exploration of subconscious thoughts is a common device used in poetry to evoke deep emotions and imagery.

Origin of 'unconsciously'

The word 'unconsciously' is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of', and 'conscious' meaning 'aware'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of unconscious thoughts and behavior has been a topic of interest in psychology and philosophy, with notable figures like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung exploring its significance. Today, the term is commonly used in both psychological and everyday contexts to describe actions or thoughts that occur without conscious awareness.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,091, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.