What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
consciously
Example
She consciously made the decision to switch careers. [consciously: adverb]
Example
He was consciously aware of his surroundings. [consciously: adjective]
knowingly
Example
He knowingly broke the law by driving under the influence. [knowingly: adverb]
Example
She sold the faulty product knowingly. [knowingly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Consciously is more commonly used than knowingly in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and has a more positive connotation. Knowingly is more specific and often used in legal or ethical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between consciously and knowingly?
Both consciously and knowingly are formal words, but knowingly is often used in legal or ethical contexts, making it more formal in those situations.
