Definition

Not aware or not having awareness of something; occurring without conscious thought.

Example

Many of our decisions are made on a nonconscious level, without us realizing it.

Conversation

I read an article about how much of our behavior is nonconscious.

That's interesting! I never thought about how our minds work when we're not aware.

Yeah, it said that a lot of decisions are made without our conscious thought.

I guess that explains why I sometimes act on impulse!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonconscious → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "conscious" (from Latin "conscire", meaning to be aware or to know). The word "nonconscious" refers to a state of not being aware or not having knowledge of something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') being aware ('conscious') — that's why nonconscious means not aware.

Visually Confused Words