perception

noun per·cep·tion \ pər-ˈsep-shən \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of perception

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

play \pər-ˈsep-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See perception defined for English-language learners

See perception defined for kids

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 of perception from the Web

The report says this is because mothers are more likely to have taken a break in employment, which affects their pay, though the perception that women with children choose to work less is often false.

— jennifer larino, NOLA.com, "Here's why you can't 'explain away' the gender wage gap in Louisiana, U.S., report says," 10 Apr. 2018
Epilogue: 2018 The problem is that for decades the perception was that nothing good could come out of Avondale.

— mark curnutte, Cincinnati.com, "A decade-by-decade look at how Avondale came back after the 1968 riots," 4 Apr. 2018
This situation and the perceptions derived from it all but guarantee that the events will be repeated in varying frequency and intensity in the coming months.

— yoav limor, Jewish Journal, "Mass march on Gaza border may only be the beginning," 4 Apr. 2018
Sometimes people have a perception about me based on my hair color.

— molly fischer, The Cut, "Mirror Face," 2 Apr. 2018
Paul’s move to a more typical talk show format would seem to signify that the YouTube star is hoping to transition to a more traditional entertainment role, a perception bolstered by the presence of a producing figure like Purcell.

— megan farokhmanesh, The Verge, "Jake Paul is getting his own talk show on YouTube Red," 30 Mar. 2018
Alex Kipman will lead the AI Perception and Mixed Reality team, which will unite all of Microsoft’s speech, vision, MR and additional perception capabilities into one team, Nadella wrote.

— mark hachman, PCWorld, "Microsoft executive shakeup signals big changes for Windows, Office and more," 29 Mar. 2018
There is a — even among well-meaning people — there’s a perception that these nerds in Silicon Valley and the nerds in the writing room: They’re nerds.

— recode staff, Recode, "Full transcript: Nell Scovell talks David Letterman, Sheryl Sandberg and ‘The Simpsons’ on Recode Media," 25 Mar. 2018
Error 5 Richard Mosse is an Irish photographer and filmmaker, who immerses himself in his subject, integrating documentary journalism and art practice to explore issues of conflict, displacement and perception.

— Bloomberg, "Richard Mosse on 'Brilliant Ideas'," 19 Mar. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of perception

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year

perception Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

Other Psychology Terms

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

PERCEPTION Defined for English Language Learners

perception

noun

Definition of perception for English Language Learners

: the way you think about or understand someone or something
: the ability to understand or notice something easily
: the way that you notice or understand something using one of your senses

PERCEPTION Defined for Kids

perception

noun per·cep·tion \ pər-ˈsep-shən \

Definition of perception for Students

1 : a judgment resulting from awareness or understanding

Visiting the beautiful park changed her perception of the city.

2 : the ability to understand (as meanings and ideas)

He's a child of remarkable perception.

3 : understanding or awareness gained through the use of the senses

depth perception

Medical Dictionary

perception

noun per·cep·tion \ pər-ˈsep-shən \

medical Definition of perception

: 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 1a

Learn More about perception

See words that rhyme with perception Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perception Spanish Central: Translation of perception Nglish: Translation of perception for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of perception for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perception

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perception

Definition of perception

perceptional

Examples of perception in a Sentence

Recent Examples of perception from the Web

Origin and Etymology of perception

perception Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Synonym Discussion of perception

Other Psychology Terms

PERCEPTION Defined for English Language Learners

perception

Definition of perception for English Language Learners

PERCEPTION Defined for Kids

perception

Definition of perception for Students

Medical Dictionary

perception

medical Definition of perception

Learn More about perception

Seen and Heard

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