subliminal
/səˈblɪmɪn(ə)l
/adjective Psychology
(Of a stimulus or mental process) below the threshold of sensation or consciousness; perceived by or affecting someone’s mind without their being aware of it.A number of these studies have used subliminal stimuli to produce the increase in positive affect....
- As is typical with this method, no participant reported being aware of the subliminal faces.
- An audio subliminal message could be defined as a verbal stimulus perceived below the threshold of awareness.
Synonyms
subconscious, unconscious;
hidden, concealed
Derivatives
subliminally
/ adverb ...- The conclusion that the affective meaning of these subliminally presented stimuli was processed by the participants, stems from two lines of observations.
- Based on these data it can be concluded that affective priming for subliminally presented stimuli is a replicable phenomenon.
- We just don't realize how exactly we're being subliminally influenced.
Origin
Late 19th century: from sub- 'below' + Latin limen, limin- 'threshold' + -al.