What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preconscious
Example
I had a preconscious memory of my childhood home when I smelled freshly baked cookies. [preconscious: adjective]
Example
The preconscious mind can influence our behavior without us realizing it. [preconscious: noun]
subconscious
Example
My fear of heights comes from a subconscious memory of falling off a ladder as a child. [subconscious: adjective]
Example
The subconscious mind can affect our dreams and emotions. [subconscious: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Subconscious is more commonly used than preconscious in everyday language. Subconscious is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while preconscious is a technical term that is primarily used in psychoanalytic theory.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between preconscious and subconscious?
Preconscious is a technical term that is primarily used in psychoanalytic theory, making it more formal than subconscious. Subconscious is a versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
