subconscious

[ suhb-kon-shuhs ]

adjective

1. existing or operating in the mind beneath or beyond consciousness: Compare preconscious, unconscious.

   the subconscious self.

2. imperfectly or not wholly conscious:

   subconscious motivations.

noun

1. the totality of mental processes of which the individual is not aware; unreportable mental activities.

subconscious

/ sʌbˈkɒnʃəs /

adjective

1. acting or existing without one's awareness

   subconscious motive

noun

1. psychoanal that part of the mind which is on the fringe of consciousness and contains material of which it is possible to become aware by redirecting attention Compare preconscious unconscious

Derived Forms

• subˈconsciously, adverb
• subˈconsciousness, noun

Other Words From

• sub·con·scious·ly adverb
• sub·con·scious·ness noun
• non·sub·con·scious adjective
• non·sub·con·scious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subconscious¹

First recorded in 1825–35; sub- + conscious

Example Sentences

Despite this seemingly obvious connection between emotional regulation and breathing, previous studies had only thoroughly explored subconscious breathing mechanisms in the brainstem.

From Science Daily

My entire life and experiences shape my cooking, but this influence is more subconscious.

From Salon

Sean says he's recently rediscovered the original Tomb Raider soundtrack, which "holds an incredibly deep place within my subconscious from being a kid".

From BBC

There’s a subconscious thing that people do, which Is when you are in a different environment, with different groups of people, you change your personality and your persona a bit.

From Salon

Racism also exists, even if it is subconscious.

From Salon