perception

per·cep·tion

noun \pər-ˈsep-shən\

Definition of PERCEPTION

1

a : a result of perceiving : observation (see perceive) 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

— per·cep·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

Examples of PERCEPTION

1. <a writer of considerable perception, she remembers how it feels to be confused and insecure>
2. <a growing perception of the enormity of the problem>
3. 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
4. Some drugs cause blurred vision and changes in color perception, or increased tears. —Sallie Tisdale, Harper's, June 2007
5. 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
6. 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

Origin of PERCEPTION

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PERCEPTION

Synonyms: discernment, insight, wisdom, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience

Antonyms: incomprehension, noncomprehension

Related Words: acuity, acumen, astuteness, clear-sightedness, keenness, penetration, percipience, perspicacity, sensitivity, understanding; appreciation, apprehension, comprehension, grasp; brain(s), braininess, brightness, brilliance, canniness, cleverness, gray matter, intellect, intelligence, judgment (or judgement), mentality, power, reason, sense, smartness, wit; discrimination, foresight, foresightedness, judiciousness, prudence, sanity; logic, rationality

Near Antonyms: density, dullness (also dulness), obtuseness; brainlessness, folly, foolishness, idiocy, imbecility, mindlessness, silliness, simplemindedness, simpleness, stupidity, witlessness; illogic, irrationality, unreasonableness, unsoundness; craziness, insanity, lunacy, madness; preposterousness, senselessness, silliness, zaniness

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

See Synonym Discussion at discernment

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

Rhymes with PERCEPTION

conception, deception, exception, inception, reception, subreption