Conscience
WordNet
noun
(1) Conformity to one's own sense of right conduct
"A person of unflagging conscience"
(2) A feeling of shame when you do something immoral
"He has no conscience about his cruelty"
(3) Motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From < < , ppr. of < + .
Noun
- The moral sense of right and wrong, chiefly as it affects one's own behaviour.
- 1949, Albert Einstein, as quoted by Virgil Henshaw in Albert Einstein: Philosopher Scientist,
- Never do anything against conscience, even if the state demands it.
- 1949, Albert Einstein, as quoted by Virgil Henshaw in Albert Einstein: Philosopher Scientist,
- Consciousness; thinking; awareness, especially self-awareness.
- 1603, William Shakespeare, Hamlet, act 3, sc. 1,
- Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
- And thus the native hue of resolution
- Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought.
- 1603, William Shakespeare, Hamlet, act 3, sc. 1,
Usage notes
- Adjectives often used with "conscience": good, bad, guilty.
- Phrases: To make conscience of, To make a matter of conscience, to act according to the dictates of conscience concerning (any matter), or to scruple to act contrary to its dictates.
Etymology
< , ppr. of < + .