subconsciouslyadv.
/ˌsʌbˈkɒnʃəsli/, /səbˈkɒnʃəsli/, U.S. /səbˈkɑnʃəsli/ In a subconscious manner; without conscious perception of control; (also) by means of the subconscious.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > consciousness > mind below consciousness > [adverb] > with imperfect awareness
subconsciously1844
the mind > mental capacity > consciousness > subconscious mind > [adverb]
subconsciously1895
1844 T. De Quincey Logic Polit. Econ. v. 216 But there is still a final evasion likely to move subconsciously in the thoughts of a student, which it is better to..strengthen until it becomes generally visible.
1851 T. De Quincey On Present State Eng. Lang. in Hogg's Instructor New Ser. 6 97/2 Whilst the finest models of style exist, and sub-consciously operate effectively as sources of delight, the conscious valuation of style is least perfectly developed.
1895 Times 17 Oct. 3/2 You do not feel as if you had had enough, but you are subconsciously aware of having had too many.
1920 C. S. Myers Mind & Work vi. 167 The true causes of one's emotional conduct are replaced by reasons which are invented subconsciously.
1947 A. Huxley Let. 9 Mar. (1969) 567 Marlow is one of those classical cases, so dear to psychoanalysts, with a fixation on his mother, about which he feels subconsciously guilty.
1969 C. Derrick Reader's Rep. vii. 120 A great many poets, when talking about their art, drop instinctively and sub-consciously into the use of..lavatorial imagery.
1976 Daily Mirror 16 July 4/3 She may be subconsciously jealous of you.
1989 Viz Oct. 7/2 Albert blames the fracas on hypnotic messages relayed to him subconsciously by the TV trickster.
1998 Viz June 34/1 (advt.) An undetectable scent that subconsciously attracts women to the wearer.
2007 Gay Times Mar. 138/3 We observe people and situations every day, subconsciously filtering what we see.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
adv.1844