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conscience

conscience

noun kohn-SYAHNS Less Common

Also means

awareness

Usage Note

Conscience covers both the moral sense of right and wrong and broader conscious awareness — context distinguishes them. Avoir bonne conscience means 'to have a clear conscience', while prendre conscience de means 'to become aware of'. It is not the same as la connaissance (knowledge), a common mix-up for learners.

Examples

"Il agit selon sa conscience."

Natural Translation

He acts according to his conscience.

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