ˈkänchən(t)s sometimes ˈkȯn- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin conscientia, from conscient-, consciens (present participle of conscire to know, be conscious, from com- + scire to know) + -ia -y — more at science
1.
a. : the sense of right or wrong within the individual
decide a matter according to your own conscience
: the awareness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do or be that which is recognized as good often felt to be instrumental in producing feelings of guilt or remorse for ill-doing; specifically : the part of the superego in psychoanalysis of which the ego is conscious and through which the commands and admonitions of the superego are communicated to the ego
b. : the faculty, power, or principle (as in an individual, nation, or group) that guides toward the right and away from the wrong
conscience rather than professional loyalty was his spiritual leader
the still small voice of his conscience
2. obsolete : inmost thought or sense : knowledge of inner self : consciousness
a conscience of having done his duty
3.
a. obsolete : conscientious observance : reverence , regard — used with of or to
mere conscience of royal rank
b. : observance of or loyalty to the dictates of the moral or ethical sense : conscientiousness
forbidden by conscience and by law
they blunder along badly enough in all conscience — Walter Lippmann
4. : sensitive regard for fairness or justice : scruple , compunction
a legal advisor with no conscience for his client's feeling
a profiteer with no conscience
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- in all conscience