voice of conscience
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An inner voice that judges your behavior: The "voice of conscience" is the metaphorical inner sense or feeling that guides a person to distinguish right from wrong, often manifesting as thoughts or feelings that comment on or judge one's own actions, decisions, or intentions.
Usage
- The term is used to describe the internal moral guide or sense of duty that prompts a person to act ethically or causes feelings of guilt after wrongdoing.
- It is typically used in singular form and often personified as a "voice" one hears in one's mind.
Examples
- Noun:
- He ignored the voice of conscience and proceeded with the dishonest plan.
- Her voice of conscience was so strong that she returned the lost wallet immediately.
- The voice of conscience told him to apologize for his harsh words.
Advanced Usage
- "To listen to/heed the voice of conscience": To pay attention to and act according to one's moral feelings.
- In the end, he listened to the voice of conscience and told the truth.
- "The voice of conscience speaks": Used to indicate the moment one's moral sense becomes active or gives guidance.
- When she saw the injustice, the voice of conscience spoke loudly within her.
Variants and Related Words
- Conscience (n): The inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives. This is the core concept from which "voice of conscience" is derived.
- His conscience wouldn't allow him to keep the secret.
- Conscientious (adj): Governed by or done according to conscience; meticulous and careful.
- She is a very conscientious worker.
Synonyms
- Moral compass: An internal set of beliefs that guides ethical behavior.
- Inner voice: A general term for internal thoughts or feelings, which can include the conscience.
- Sense of right and wrong: The basic ability to judge actions as moral or immoral.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "A guilty conscience": A feeling of guilt or anxiety because one has done something wrong.
- His strange behavior was a sign of a guilty conscience.
- "In (all/good) conscience": In all fairness; according to what one believes is right.
- I could not, in all conscience, charge you for such a small repair.
Noun
- an inner voice that judges your behavior