perception

noun

per·​cep·​tion pər-ˈsep-shən 

1

a

: awareness through physical sensation : reaction to sensory stimulus

color perception

see also depth perception

b

: understanding or interpretation of physical sensation

Even if we could speak to a whale, would we understand what it says? Or would its perception of the world, its entire ordering of consciousness, be so alien as to be unintelligible?

—Camille Bromley

… the stories imply that the nature of reality is unknowable, or at least is a function of individual perception.

—Michiko Kakutani

c

: the state of being aware : consciousness

And I wanted for once in my life to experience that aboriginal perception of time that's measured by the eating of a meal or the hike from one spot to another, time sensed as a procession of seasons endlessly repeated across an eternal landscape.

—Bill Vaughn

2

a

: direct and intuitive recognition : understanding as accurate or real : insight

public perception of the economy

perception versus reality

b

: a capacity for comprehension or understanding

… his natural good sense and keen perception qualified him to arrest the attention and interest the heart in a most remarkable degree.

—William Still

see also self-perception

3

a

: concept, idea

But they are also institutions with strong international brands built on prestige, history and the perception of excellence.

—Tressie McMillan Cottom

This perception of a democratic audience, accurate or not, influenced the writing of plays directed at the commonsensical experience of everyday people.

—Arthur Miller

b

: a result of perceiving : something experienced through physical sensation : observation

He was not accustomed to analyze what pleased or displeased him; but his perceptions were quick, and his taste exquisite.

—Edward Bulwer-Lytton

4

obsolete : consciousness

perceptional

pər-ˈsep-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of perception

• insight
• sensitivity

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

This is about big names, perception and the party atmosphere, the latter of which the SEC does better than any sports league in America. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2025

Today, Sahil Bloom is a New York Times bestselling author helping everyone from office workers to billionaires redefine their perceptions of success. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025

The shifting perceptions and twisty script created a formidable acting experience for Zollicoffer, who is nominated for Best Actress at FilmQuest. —William Earl, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025

But somewhere along the way, especially for kids in foster care, that perception shifts. —Laura Rivera, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Phrases Containing perception

• depth perception
• extrasensory perception
• self-perception

Rhymes for perception

• conception
• deception
• exception
• inception
• reception
• apperception
• contraception
• interception
• misconception
• misperception
• preconception
• intussusception

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