subliminal
1886, formed from sub "below" + L. limen (gen. liminis)
"threshold." Apparently a loan-translation of Ger. unter der Schwelle
(des Bewusstseins) "beneath the threshold (of consciousness)," from
Johann Friedrich Herbart (1776-1841), author of a textbook on psychology
published in 1816.
subliminal adjectiveEtymology:sub- + Latin limin-, limen threshold
Date: 1886 1. inadequate to produce a sensation or a perception
2. existing or functioning below the threshold of consciousness
<the subliminal mind> <subliminal advertising>
• subliminallyadverb
subliminal adj. Psychol. (of a stimulus etc.) below the threshold of sensation or consciousness. Phrases and idioms: subliminal advertising the use of subliminal images in advertising
on television etc. to influence the viewer at an unconscious level. subliminal self the part of one's personality outside conscious awareness. Derivatives: subliminally
adv. Etymology: SUB- + L limen -inis threshold
subliminal
Subliminal influences or messages affect your mind without you being aware of it.
Colour has a profound, though often subliminal influence on our senses and moods....subliminal advertising.ADJ: usu ADJ n
Subliminal \Sub*lim"i*nal\, a. [Pref. sub- + L. limen
threshold.] (Philos.)
Existing in the mind, but below the surface or threshold of
consciousness; that is, existing as feeling rather than as
clear ideas.
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