perception

noun

per·cep·tion | \pər-ˈsep-shən

Definition of perception

1a : a result of perceiving : observation

b : a mental image : concept

2 obsolete : consciousness

3a : awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation color perception

b : physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience

4a : quick, acute, and intuitive cognition : appreciation

b : a capacity for comprehension

Other Words from perception Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about perception

Keep scrolling for more

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 the homeless 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

And in the age of the internet, media can either perpetuate these perceptions or encourage an alternate narrative. — SELF, "8 Influencers Making the Wellness World More Inclusive," 7 Nov. 2018 That perception goes as far back as 19th-century Europe, posits Paul Jarrod Frank, a New York City dermatologist. — Loren Savini, Allure, "Does Smiling Cause Wrinkles? No, and "Resting Bitch Face" Doesn't Prevent Them," 10 Oct. 2018 Having someone with conservative ties could help the company establish better relationships with Republican lawmakers, or at the very least alleviate some perception problems for a company that is viewed as predominantly liberal. — Kurt Wagner, Recode, "The social networking giant is on a hunt all over the globe for a new head of policy and communications.," 10 Oct. 2018 How did Strzok respond: Strzok claimed that, to his knowledge, he was removed from the probe for reasons related to public perception — presumably to maintain trust in the integrity of Mueller’s team — rather than any concern about bias on his part. — Alana Abramson, Time, "3 Moments That Actually Mattered at the Peter Strzok Hearing," 13 July 2018 Commissioners Monday night also expressed concern about public perception and how town officials would respond. — Mikaela Porter, courant.com, "MDC To DEEP: Come Up With Clean-Up Plan, $5.8 Million By Sept. 1 For Hartford Landfill Groundwater," 10 July 2018 There is little to no evidence that would help prop up this perception held by investors. — Eduardo Gruener, miamiherald, "No, your house is not an investment," 9 July 2018 Instea, the team has written software for the hill climb that relies on lidar laser sensors for real-time environment perception. — Jack Stewart, WIRED, "A Racing Robocar Takes On England's Swankiest Track," 7 July 2018 Public perception has begun to turn — against your company in general, and against you specifically — and your leadership team is now presented with the question of what to do. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "How Facebook’s crisis PR firm triggered a PR crisis," 17 Nov. 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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about perception

Dictionary Entries near perception

Statistics for perception

Last Updated

7 Dec 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for perception

The first known use of perception was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for perception

perception

noun

English Language Learners Definition of perception

: 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

See the full definition for perception in the English Language Learners Dictionary

perception

noun

per·cep·tion | \pər-ˈsep-shən

Kids Definition of perception

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

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 sense 1a