perception

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.

“Perception” is pronounced puh-SEHPSHN (/pɚˈsɛpʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).

Here is “perception” used in a sentence: “Depth perception allows us to judge distances accurately.”

Words with a similar meaning to “perception” include ken.

“Perception” is a noun.

The word “perception” comes from Latin. From Latin perceptio, "a gathering or grasping", from percipere, "to perceive" — see "perceive".

“Perception” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.