Have you ever mixed up the words 'conscious' and 'conscience'? You're not alone. Despite their similar spellings and pronunciation, these two words have entirely different meanings. This guide is here to help you grasp the difference between 'conscious' and 'conscience' and use them correctly.
The
English Language
is full of words that sound alike but carry different meanings, leading to confusion. In this article, we will cover the following points to clarify the difference between 'conscious' and 'conscience'.
Conscious refers to being aware of one’s surroundings or actions, or being awake.
Conscience refers to the moral sense of right and wrong.
Usage
It is used as an adjective.
It is used as a noun.
Example
John was conscious of his actions during the meeting.
Lisa's conscience wouldn't let her keep the lost wallet she found.
The above table clearly shows the difference between the words 'conscious' and 'conscience'. Remembering this table will help you avoid confusion.
The Meanings of Conscious and Conscience
Being 'conscious' means being aware of your surroundings or actions, or being awake. For instance, 'Susan was consciously avoiding sugary foods'. On the other hand, 'conscience' refers to our moral sense of right and wrong. For example, 'Tom's conscience wouldn't let him cheat on the test'. Understanding these definitions will help you distinguish between these terms.
Examples of Conscious and Conscience Usage
Here are some examples to further illustrate the usage of 'conscious' and 'conscience'.
Conscious –
The nurse checked if the patient was conscious after the surgery.
Conscience
– Always let your conscience guide your actions.
Once you understand these differences, you will be able to use these words correctly and confidently.
In conclusion, 'conscious' and 'conscience' have different meanings and cannot be used interchangeably. When using these words, ensure you understand the context to use them correctly. There are many resources available to help you understand similar sounding but differently meaning words.