conscience
word
/ˈkɑnʃəns/
KAHN-shuhns
/kˈɒnʃəns/
KON-shuhns
Definition
Your conscience is the inner sense that tells you whether something is morally right or wrong. It often makes you feel guilty when you do something bad or pushes you to do the right thing.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in singular: 'a guilty conscience', 'have a clear conscience', 'on your conscience'. It is about moral judgment, not general awareness—don't confuse it with 'consciousness' or 'being conscious'.
Spanish: conciencia moralPortuguese (BR): consciência moralPortuguese (PT): consciência moralChinese (Simplified): 良心Chinese (Traditional): 良心Hindi: अंतरात्मा - नैतिक चेतनाArabic: الضميرBengali: অন্তরাত্মা - বিবেকRussian: совестьJapanese: 良心Vietnamese: lương tâmKorean: 양심Turkish: vicdanUrdu: ضمیرIndonesian: hati nurani
Example Sentences
I can't take this job and keep a clean conscience.
natural
His conscience told him to return the money.
basic
I have a clear conscience.
basic
She could not lie without hurting her conscience.
basic
My conscience wouldn't let me ignore what happened.
natural
You can pretend it doesn't matter, but your conscience will catch up with you.
natural