perception

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noun per·cep·tion \pər-ˈsep-shən\

Definition of perception

1a : a result of perceiving : observationb : a mental image : concept
2 obsolete : consciousness
3a : awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation color perceptionb : physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience
4a : quick, acute, and intuitive cognition : appreciationb : a capacity for comprehension

perceptional

play \pər-ˈsep-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ 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

And the perception is a two-way street, by the way.

— valerie strauss, Washington Post, "A teacher’s anti-solution to a big problem," 15 July 2017
Silver also spoke about the perception of conference imbalance, and the notion of seeding the top 16 teams for the playoffs with no limitations based on conferences.

— jon krawczynski, The Seattle Times, "NBA eliminates timeouts to keep the ends of games moving," 12 July 2017
That perception appears to have taken a hit with an ESPN report suggesting Prescott used a machine to sign autographs for a memorabilia company.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "Report: Dak Prescott used machine to sign autographs," 5 July 2017
Their perception is that the inner lips should be invisible, almost like a Barbie, but the reality is that there is a huge variation.

— suzannah weiss, Teen Vogue, "Girls Are Getting Labiaplasties as Young as Age NINE," 4 July 2017
As the researchers noted, such perception proves damaging for young girls and can have lasting effects well into their adult lives.

— maggie mallon, Glamour, "Black Girls Are Viewed As "Less Innocent" Than White Girls, According to a New Study on Racial Bias," 29 June 2017
For Diallo (and all Kentucky players in Calipari's care), this is reality and perception married for the sake of the improvement of both skills and stock.

— fletcher page, The Courier-Journal, "John Calipari's vision for Hamidou Diallo combines reality, perception," 27 June 2017
But Austin has dealt with the perception that goes with being dismissed from Providence College and Oregon amid the allegations of sexual misconduct.

— keith pompey, Philly.com, "Is Dario Saric or Joel Embiid rookie of the year? We'll find out Monday night," 26 June 2017
Philando Castile was a law-abiding gun owner and the gun lobby has never hesitated to gin up fury over even the perception of someone infringing on the rights of gun owners.

— lucy mcbath, Cosmopolitan, "The NRA's Silence on Philando Castile's Death Is Shameful," 23 June 2017

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

See Words from the same year

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

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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

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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

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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