The spelling of the phrase "conscience stricken" may seem tricky due to the phonetic complexity of its pronunciation. The first word, "conscience," is spelled /ˈkɒn.ʃəns/, with the stress on the second syllable. The second word, "stricken," is spelled /ˈstrɪkən/, with the stress on the first syllable. Together, they form a phrase that describes a strong sense of guilt or regret. Despite its challenging spelling, mastering the pronunciation of "conscience stricken" is crucial for effective communication.
The term "conscience stricken" refers to an intense feeling of guilt or remorse that weighs heavily on one's conscience. It is often used to describe a state of deep emotional anguish and regret resulting from the awareness of having performed or been involved in morally wrong actions or decisions.
When someone is conscience stricken, they experience an overwhelming sense of responsibility for their actions and may feel tormented by their own thoughts and emotions. This emotional state can be triggered by a variety of circumstances, such as betraying someone's trust, causing harm to others, or neglecting one's moral and ethical principles.
People who are conscience stricken often display signs of internal conflict and self-reproach, as they struggle to reconcile their actions with their values and principles. This intense sense of guilt can manifest in various ways, including restlessness, insomnia, loss of appetite, or withdrawal from social interaction.
The term "conscience stricken" emphasizes the profound impact that guilt and remorse can have on an individual's emotional well-being. It suggests a deeply ingrained moral conscience and the recognition of one's wrongdoings. Often, this weight on the conscience can serve as a motivator for individuals to seek redemption, correct their mistakes, and make amends in order to alleviate their emotional distress.
The term "conscience stricken" is composed of two words: "conscience" and "stricken".
1. Conscience: Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin word "conscientia", which means "knowledge within oneself" or "moral sense". This Latin term is a combination of "con-" (meaning "with") and "scientia" (meaning "knowledge").
2. Stricken: This word is the past participle of the verb "strike". It comes from the Old English word "strican", which means "to stroke or rub gently".
Therefore, when these two words are combined, "conscience stricken" refers to a state where one's moral sense or knowledge within oneself is influenced or affected by a significant event or experience.