perception

noun

per·​cep·​tion pər-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce perception (audio)
1
a
: a result of perceiving : observation
b
: a mental image : concept
2
obsolete : consciousness
3
a
: awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation
color perception
b
: physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience
4
a
: quick, acute, and intuitive cognition : appreciation
b
: a capacity for comprehension
perceptional
pər-ˈsep-shnəl How to pronounce perception (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for perception

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Example Sentences

It is ironic that the impact of smoking on nonsmokers, rather than on smokers themselves, is what finally transformed the regulation and cultural perception of the cigarette. Allan M. Brandt, The Cigarette Century, 2007 Some drugs cause blurred vision and changes in color perception, or increased tears. Sallie Tisdale, Harper's, June 2007 The urge of these acolytes is not dramatic but mercantile—to traduce all personal history, to subvert all perception or insight, into gain, or the hope of gain. David Mamet, Jafsie and John Henry Essays, 1999 Everything is research for the sake of erudition. No one is taught to value himself for nice perception and cultivated taste. Robert Frost, letter, 2 Jan. 1915 a writer of considerable perception, she remembers how it feels to be confused and insecure a growing perception of the enormity of the problem See More
Recent Examples on the Web Change that rests on the perception the rest of the league has about a player. The Indianapolis Star, 1 Dec. 2022 But the reasons for those figures appeared to evolve and this year’s results appeared to be shaped not by warfare but by questions about leadership and the perception that the force is increasingly polarized. Nancy A. Youssef, WSJ, 1 Dec. 2022 So it’s both in terms of subscribers, both in terms of changing the perception of the platform as well, press, awards, as well. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 29 Nov. 2022 The perception that the emotional labor of holidays is unimportant can be damaging. Kate Lewis, Good Housekeeping, 25 Nov. 2022 Even if Walker’s candidacy is up to legal snuff, the perception of him simply acting as a carpetbagging vestige of the Republican party risks his bid. Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 23 Nov. 2022 Either result is unlikely to change the program’s trajectory but certainly will impact the perception of Year 1 under a new regime — along with the Gators’ postseason opportunities. Orlando Sentinel, 23 Nov. 2022 When Biden tumbled on his bicycle in Delaware in June, the mishap fed the perception of a president not at the top of his game physically. Arkansas Online, 20 Nov. 2022 Bad actors use online harassment to generate the perception of controversy around certain young journalists. Taylor Lorenz, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perception.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Latin perception-, perceptio act of perceiving, from percipere — see perceive

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of perception was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near perception

Cite this Entry

“Perception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perception. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

Kids Definition

perception

noun
per·​cep·​tion pər-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce perception (audio)
1
: a result of perceiving : observation
2
: awareness of surrounding objects, conditions, or forces through sensation
color perception
3
: capacity for understanding

Medical Definition

perception

noun
per·​cep·​tion pər-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce perception (audio)
: awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation
color perception
some sensation of perception of the extremity after amputation is felt by 98% of patients Orthopedics & Traumatic Surgery
compare sensation sense 1a

More from Merriam-Webster on perception

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


The Great British Vocabulary Quiz

  • union jack speech bubble
  • Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called?
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ