Aware vs Conscious
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Aware | Conscious | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Knowing about something | Being aware of and able to think about your thoughts and surroundings. |
| CEFR level | B1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use 'aware' to indicate knowledge or consciousness of something; not appropriate for casual slang. | Use 'conscious' when discussing awareness or alertness. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it in a purely emotional sense where 'aware' might be better suited. |
Frequently asked questions: Aware vs Conscious
What's the difference between "Aware" and "Conscious"?
"Aware" means: Knowing about something "Conscious" means: Being aware of and able to think about your thoughts and surroundings.
When should I use "Aware" and "Conscious"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Aware" and "Conscious" the same CEFR level?
"Aware" is at B1, "Conscious" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.