Looking up...
Aware of and responding to one's surroundings.
The patient regained consciousness after the surgery.
The patient woke up and became aware of their surroundings after the surgery.
Often used to describe a state of awareness or wakefulness.
Deliberately aware of something, often with a sense of guilt or responsibility.
He was conscious of his mistake.
He realized and felt guilty about his mistake.
Can imply a heightened awareness or self-awareness.
'Conscious' is often used to describe a state of awareness, either physical or mental.
Use 'conscious' for both physical wakefulness and mental awareness.
From Old French 'conscius', from Latin 'conscius' (knowing, aware), from 'con-' (with) + 'scire' (to know).
Can be used both literally (awake) and figuratively (aware of something).