Definition

1. 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

1. an inner voice that judges your behavior