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
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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
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Adding to the trend is a changing perception of market demographics.
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For $24, folks can wander through the tent and see virtual reality movies, full-room art installations and sculptures meant to play with perception.
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Political commentators assigned other motives, including a way for Mr. Bush to shake off perceptions of weakness; his poll numbers rose significantly after the invasion.
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Oftentimes fans weigh relevancy, critical perception, commercial success and longevity.
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The danger here is that if the attacks continue, the perception that authorities cannot protect the Christians would undermine Egypt’s image as a stable and secure nation.
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A social media campaign designed to highlight the city’s runaways created the perception there was a spike in the number of missing children in D.C.
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In the 2015 election, voters’ perception of which party leader would make the better prime minister was a more accurate indicator of the result; May is way ahead on that measure. 3.
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Even scientists, some of the loudest advocates for objectivity, are not immune to deeply rooted differences in the perception of men and women.
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
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of perception
Other Psychology Terms
PERCEPTION Defined for English Language Learners
perception
playDefinition of perception for English Language Learners
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: the way you think about or understand someone or something
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: the ability to understand or notice something easily
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: the way that you notice or understand something using one of your senses
PERCEPTION Defined for Kids
perception
playDefinition 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
playMedical 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
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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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