7 definitions found for subliminal

subliminal adj 1: below the threshold of conscious perception

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 adjective Etymology: 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> • subliminally adverb

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.

subliminal sʌbˈlɪmɪnl adj. subconscious, unconscious, suggestive: Advertisers know that subliminal techniques can be very effective in TV commercials.