01 n. The state of being conscious; knowledge of one's own existence, condition, sensations, mental operations, acts, etc.
-
1.
The state of being conscious; knowledge of one's own existence, condition, sensations, mental operations, acts, etc.“Consciousness is thus, on the one hand, the recognition by the mind or “ego” of its acts and affections; -- in other words, the self-affirmation that certain modifications are known by me, and that these modifications are mine.” — Sir W. Hamilton.
-
2.
Immediate knowledge or perception of the presence of any object, state, or sensation. See the Note under Attention. See: Attention“Annihilate the consciousness of the object, you annihilate the consciousness of the operation.” — Sir W. Hamilton.“And, when the steam Which overflowed the soul had passed away, A consciousness remained that it had left. . . . images and precious thoughts That shall not die, and can not be destroyed.” — Wordsworth.“The consciousness of wrong brought with it the consciousness of weakness.” — Froude.
-
3.
Feeling, persuasion, or expectation; esp., inward sense of guilt or innocence.[R.]“An honest mind is not in the power of a dishonest: to break its peace there must be some guilt or consciousness.” — Pope.