Main Entry:

per·cep·tion

Pronunciation:

\pər-ˈsep-shən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Latin perception-, perceptio act of perceiving, from percipere

Date:

14th century

1 a: a result of perceiving : observation b: a mental image : concept2obsolete : consciousness3 a: awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation <color perception> b: physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience4 a: quick, acute, and intuitive cognition : appreciation b: a capacity for comprehension

synonyms see discernment

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