What is the Difference Between Conscious and Conscience?

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The terms "conscious" and "conscience" are distinct and have different meanings:

  • Conscious: This term is an adjective that means "awake" or "alert". It refers to a state of being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings. For example, when someone is unconscious, they are not aware, sensing, or cognizing their environment.
  • Conscience: This term is a noun that refers to the awareness of whether one's actions are right or wrong. It is often described as an inner feeling or voice that guides a person's moral decisions. For example, a "guilty conscience" refers to the feeling of guilt one experiences after doing something perceived as wrong.

In summary:

  • "Conscious" describes a state of awareness and alertness.
  • "Conscience" refers to the moral awareness of one's actions.

Comparative Table: Conscious vs Conscience

Here is a table summarizing the difference between "conscious" and "conscience":

Feature Conscious Conscience
Meaning Being aware of one's surroundings/actions or being awake Having the moral understanding of what's wrong and right
Usage Adjective Noun
Examples Ross was conscious of what he was doing Penny's conscience told her to return the money she had found on the table

Remembering the difference between these two terms will allow you to avoid confusion and apply them correctly in various contexts.