Pronunciation: [sʌblˈɪmɪnə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "subliminals" is spelled with a "b" and not a "p" because it comes from the Latin word "subliminalis," which contains a "b." The IPA phonetic transcription of "subliminals" is /sʌbˈlɪmɪnəlz/. The "b" sound is represented by the "b" at the beginning of the word and the "m" sound is represented by the "m" followed by the "n." The final "s" is pronounced as a "z" sound, represented by the symbol "z" in IPA.
Subliminals refer to auditory or visual stimuli that are presented slightly below the threshold of conscious awareness with the intention of influencing individuals' thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors. These stimuli are perceived by the subconscious mind, bypassing the conscious filtering processes.
In the context of advertising and marketing, subliminals are often employed as a covert technique to convey hidden messages or suggestions, typically related to consumer behavior. These messages can be embedded within advertisements, product packaging, or even accompanying background music, aiming to shape consumers' attitudes towards specific products, services, or brands without their conscious knowledge.
Subliminal messages may utilize various techniques such as quick flashes of images or words, subtle audio signals, or even backmasking, where hidden messages are played backward within a piece of music. While the effectiveness of subliminal messages in actually influencing behavior is debatable and scientifically controversial, proponents argue that they can shape individuals' perceptions and predispose them towards certain choices or actions.
Subliminals are also sometimes used in self-improvement practices, such as affirmations or guided meditation, where positive messages or suggestions are embedded within audio recordings or visual imagery. The goal is to reprogram the subconscious mind with empowering beliefs and assist in achieving personal development objectives.
It is important to note that ethical concerns surround the use of subliminals, particularly in advertising, as they can infringe upon individuals' autonomy and manipulate their decision-making process without their explicit consent or awareness.
The word "subliminals" is derived from the noun "subliminal", which comes from the Latin words "sub" and "limen". "Sub" means "under" or "below", and "limen" means "threshold" or "boundary". Thus, "subliminal" literally translates to "below the threshold" or "beneath the limit". The term was coined in the late 19th century by psychologists to describe stimuli or messages that are below the threshold of conscious perception but may still have an effect on a person's thoughts, feelings, or behavior. "Subliminals" is the plural form of "subliminal", referring to multiple instances or examples of such stimuli or messages.
