perception
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for perception, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The way the mind organizes and makes sense of information taken in through the senses.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use perception
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin perceptio, "a gathering or grasping", from percipere, "to perceive" — see "perceive".
Full origin of perception →Frequently asked questions
What does “perception” mean?
The word “perception” means the way the mind organizes and makes sense of information taken in through the senses. In plain terms, either the process of sensing the world around you, or the general impression people have about something.
How do you pronounce “perception”?
“Perception” is pronounced puh-SEHPSHN (/pɚˈsɛpʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “perception” in a sentence?
Here is “perception” used in a sentence: “Depth perception allows us to judge distances accurately.”
What is another word for “perception”?
Words with a similar meaning to “perception” include ken.
What part of speech is “perception”?
“Perception” is a noun.
Where does the word “perception” come from?
The word “perception” comes from Latin. From Latin perceptio, "a gathering or grasping", from percipere, "to perceive" — see "perceive".
Is “perception” a common word?
“Perception” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “perception” have?
“Perception” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the way the mind organizes and makes sense of information taken in through the senses.
What is the difference between "perception" and "reality"?
"Perception" is the way the mind organises and interprets information from the senses, or a personal impression of something, while "reality" is how things actually are. Perceptions can differ from reality because each person filters and interprets information differently.
What is the difference between "perception" and "perspective"?
"Perception" is how you take in and make sense of information, while "perspective" is the particular standpoint or viewpoint from which you consider something. Your perspective can shape your perception.
What is the difference between "perception" and "sensation"?
"Sensation" is the raw information the senses detect, such as light hitting the eye, while "perception" is the mind's organising and interpreting of that information into meaning. Sensation comes first; perception makes sense of it.
What are common words that go with "perception"?
"Perception" pairs with "public," "sensory," and "depth," as in "public perception," "sensory perception," and "depth perception." Verbs such as "shape," "shift," and "change" often describe altering someone's perception.