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

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

Initially, it meant 'knowing with others,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'aware of and responding to one's surroundings.'