How to pronounce consciousness
Say it like KON-shuh-snus. Consciousness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce consciousness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KON
- shuh
- snus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Consciousness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- snusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of consciousness
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KON-shuh-snis.
What does consciousness mean?
- an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation“he lost consciousness”
- having knowledge of“he had no awareness of his mistakes”“his sudden consciousness of the problem he faced”
Where does consciousness come from?
From conscious + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying consciousness
How do you pronounce consciousness?
Say KON-shuh-snus. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑnʃəsnəs/. In British English it is /ˈkɒnʃəsnɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in consciousness?
Consciousness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON). Broken into parts: KON · shuh · snus.
Is consciousness pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒnʃəsnɪs/ (KON-shuh-snis).