What does consciously mean?
"Consciously" is an adverb describing action performed with awareness and intent. When someone does something consciously, they do it deliberately — as the result of a decision made by the waking mind — rather than automatically, by habit, or without noticing. The word has two closely related senses: it can emphasise intention ("she consciously chose her words") or simple wakefulness and perception ("he was consciously aware of the danger"). It derives from the adjective "conscious," which entered English in the seventeenth century from Latin "conscious," meaning "knowing with another or within oneself." Today the word appears across many domains: in psychology it marks mental processes under voluntary control, in ethics and law it signals purposeful conduct, and in wellness culture phrases like "living consciously" suggest mindful, examined living. Its natural opposites are "unconsciously" and "instinctively." Because it sits at the heart of debates about free will and awareness, "consciously" remains a precise and useful word for distinguishing what we choose from what we merely do.
adverbIn a deliberate, intentional manner; with full awareness of one's actions, thoughts, or surroundings.
- Deliberately and intentionally; as a result of conscious decision rather than instinct or habit.
- With awareness; in a state of being awake and perceiving one's environment (as opposed to unconsciously).
"She consciously avoided mentioning the incident during dinner."
"He consciously slowed his breathing before stepping onto the stage."
"Unlike her sleepwalking episodes, she had consciously chosen to rearrange the furniture."
The word 'consciously' shares its Latin root with 'conscience' — but while conscience judges your choices after the fact, being conscious is what lets you make them in the first place.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of consciously
"Consciously" comes from the adjective "conscious," which English borrowed in the early seventeenth century from the Latin "conscious," meaning "knowing with others or within oneself," formed from "com-" (together) plus "scire" (to know). The adverb followed shortly afterwards. It shares this Latin root with "conscience," "conscientious," and "consciousness," all ultimately tracing back to the idea of shared or inward knowing.
Related word forms
How consciously is actually used
Neutral in register — used equally in everyday speech, psychology, philosophy, and self-help contexts. In psychology and mindfulness writing it often contrasts with 'subconsciously' or 'unconsciously', carrying a connotation of self-aware intentionality rather than mere wakefulness.
Easily confused with consciously
'Conscience' is a noun referring to an inner moral sense of right and wrong, while 'consciously' is an adverb meaning deliberately or with awareness.
'Conscientiously' means doing something with great care and diligence out of a sense of duty, whereas 'consciously' simply means with awareness or intention.