perception

noun

per·​cep·​tion pər-ˈsep-shən 

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

pər-ˈsep-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• 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

Remember, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and everyone’s perception comes from their unique place in this world. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025

Oxford Economics estimates spending among international visitors to the U.S. will fall $8.5 billion this year, as negative perceptions of the U.S. tied to trade and immigration policy lead travelers to other destinations. —Ali McCadden, CNBC, 4 July 2025

Quote: Loons head coach Eric Ramsay has pushed back a little on the perception that his team is hindered by its league-low possession (38%). —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025

While more research is needed to measure CIT effectiveness, anecdotal evidence suggests positive impacts on officer responses and community perceptions. —Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 3 July 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 2

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