Conscious means awake and aware of what's happening around you and inside your mind. When you're conscious, you can see, hear, think, and make decisions. If someone gets knocked out during a soccer game, they might be unconscious for a few moments, unable to see or hear anything, but when they become conscious again, they open their eyes and recognize where they are.

The word also describes being aware of something specific. You might be conscious of your friend's feelings when they seem sad, noticing their quieter voice and slumped shoulders. A student who is conscious of the time during a test keeps checking the clock, aware that minutes are ticking away. When you're self-conscious, you're especially aware of how others might be viewing you, like feeling self-conscious about a new haircut or stumbling over words during a presentation.

People sometimes talk about making a conscious decision or conscious choice, meaning they thought carefully about it instead of acting on impulse or habit. Choosing to study for a test instead of playing video games is a conscious decision. The opposite, your unconscious mind, includes thoughts and reactions that happen automatically, without you deliberately thinking about them, like flinching when something flies toward your face.