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Subliminal - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Subliminal refers to something that is below the threshold of conscious perception, often influencing thoughts or behavior without being noticed. It is commonly used in advertising or psychology.

subliminal

/səˈblɪmənəl/ /sʌbˈlɪmɪnəl/

Definition:

Below the threshold of conscious perception, influencing behavior or thought unconsciously.

Synonyms:

subconscious, hidden, implicit, unnoticed

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

conscious, overt, explicit

Common Collocations:

subliminal messages, subliminal advertising, subliminal influence, subliminal perception

Derivatives:

subliminally, subliminality

Usage Tips:

Use "subliminal" to describe stimuli or influences perceived unconsciously, often in psychology or marketing contexts.

Common Phrases:

subliminal messaging, subliminal persuasion, under the radar

Etymology:

From Latin "sub-" (below) + "limen" (threshold), meaning below conscious awareness.

Examples:

  • 1. The movie included subliminal messages to sway the audience's emotions.
  • 2. Subliminal advertising is banned in many countries for ethical reasons.
  • 3. She felt a subliminal urge to buy the product after seeing the ad.
  • 4. His behavior changed due to subliminal influences he wasn’t aware of.

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