Origin: Latin suffix -ence
Conscience has 4 different meanings across 1 category:
motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
"His conscience compelled him to return the lost wallet even though no one saw him find it."
a feeling of shame when you do something immoral
"he has no conscience about his cruelty"
The moral sense of right and wrong, chiefly as it affects one's own behaviour.
"Her guilty conscience kept her awake at night after she lied to save face."
In plain English: Conscience is your inner voice that tells you what is right and wrong so you can make good choices.
"Her conscience made her feel guilty after she lied to her friend."
Usage: Your conscience refers to your internal moral compass that guides you toward doing what is right rather than simply following external rules. You might feel a guilty conscience if your actions conflict with these personal ethical standards.
The word conscience entered English via Middle and Old French from the Latin conscientia, which originally meant "knowledge within oneself." This term combines elements meaning "together" and "to know," reflecting its roots in being aware of one's own thoughts or actions.