'conscious' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'conscius,' where 'con-' meant 'with' and 'scire' meant 'to know.'

'conscius' transformed into the Old French word 'conscient,' and eventually became the modern English word 'conscious' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'knowing with others or in oneself,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'aware and awake.'