unconscious

/ʌn'kɔnʃəs/

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The word "unconscious" is an adjective and can also be used as a noun. Let’s break it down in a simple way.

Basic Definition:

1. As an Adjective:

   • Meaning: When someone is unconscious, it means they are not awake or aware of their surroundings. For example, if a person faints or is knocked out, they are unconscious.
   • Example: "After the accident, he lay unconscious on the ground."

2. As a Noun:

   • Meaning: The unconscious refers to a part of the mind that works without us being aware of it. It includes thoughts and feelings that we do not realize we have.
   • Example: "Her fear of dogs was in her unconscious, something she wasn’t aware of."

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "unconscious" to describe a state of being not aware of what is happening around you, or a part of the mind that influences behavior without conscious thought.
• When you use it as an adjective, it is often followed by "of." For example: "She was unconscious of the danger."

Advanced Usage:

• In psychology, the term "unconscious" refers to mental processes that happen without conscious awareness. This can include dreams, repressed memories, and instincts.
• Example: "Freud believed that the unconscious mind influences our behavior."

Word Variants:

• Unconsciously (adverb): Doing something without being aware of it.
  • Example: "He unconsciously tapped his foot while listening to music."
• Unconsciousness (noun): The state of being unconscious.
  • Example: "After the fall, she remained in unconsciousness for several hours."

Different Meanings:

• Physical State: Not awake or aware (like after an accident).
• Mental State: Referring to thoughts and feelings we are not aware of.

Synonyms:

• Unaware
• Oblivious
• Insensible
• Inactive (when referring to mental processes)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t many common idioms specifically using "unconscious," but you might hear phrases like:
  • "To be out cold": This means to be unconscious, often used in casual conversation.
  • "In a daze": This means being confused and not fully aware, which can relate to being unconscious in a metaphorical sense.

Conclusion:

"Unconscious" is a versatile word that describes both a state of being unaware physically and a deeper part of our mind that influences us without our knowledge.

Academic

Adjective

1. (followed by `of') not knowing or perceiving
   • happily unconscious of the new calamity at home- Charles Dickens
2. without conscious volition
3. not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead
   • lay unconscious on the floor

Noun

1. that part of the mind wherein psychic activity takes place of which the person is unaware

Synonyms

• unconscious
• unconscious mind