preconscious
Psychoanalytic term for thoughts not currently conscious but accessible. Compare 前意識 (ぜんいしき), a synonym also used in Freudian contexts.
See also: 前意識
Freud made the concept of the preconscious an important element of psychoanalysis.
Memories in the preconscious can be brought into consciousness with effort.
Refers to the unconscious, which is deeper and not directly accessible, unlike the preconscious.
Compound of 下 (sub-, lower) and 意識 (consciousness), likely a calque from German 'Vorbewusste' or English 'preconscious' used in early psychoanalytic literature.