Main Entry: con·science

Pronunciation: \ˈkän(t)-shən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin conscientia, from conscient-, consciens, present participle of conscire to be conscious, be conscious of guilt, from com- + scire to know — more at science

Date: 13th century

1 a : the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good b : a faculty, power, or principle enjoining good acts c : the part of the superego in psychoanalysis that transmits commands and admonitions to the ego
2 archaic : consciousness
3 : conformity to the dictates of conscience : conscientiousness
4 : sensitive regard for fairness or justice : scruple

— con·science·less \-ləs\ adjective

— in all conscience or in conscience : in all fairness