perception

noun

per·​cep·​tion pər-ˈsep-shən 

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 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• discernment
• insight
• perceptiveness
• perceptivity
• sagaciousness
• sagacity
• sageness
• sapience
• wisdom

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 people affected by the housing crisis

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of perception in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

In others, children and their parents answer questions about their perceptions and expectations of the recovery process. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024

The brisk pace of crime-solving leaves more time for this episode to stretch out a bit with the ongoing plot strands of Captain Wagner’s concerns about workplace morale and his team’s perception of him as a leader, and Kaya and Elsbeth’s friendship. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024

Gibbs said Taco Bell led the industry in the third quarter in value perception among all fast-food consumers, helping its sales even during an industrywide slowdown. —Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

Rappaport alleges that those tags and price slashing depictions influence consumers’ perception of what the goods are worth because they are affected by fake price comparison. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing perception

• depth perception
• extrasensory perception
• self-perception

Kids Definition

perception

noun

per·​cep·​tion pər-ˈsep-shən 

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 

: 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