perception
puh-SEHPSHN
Perception (noun) means the way the mind organizes and makes sense of information taken in through the senses. Example: “Perception of sound depends on how the brain interprets signals from the ear.”
noun
1
The way the mind organizes and makes sense of information taken in through the senses.
"Perception of sound depends on how the brain interprets signals from the ear."
"Depth perception allows us to judge distances accurately."
"Her perception of colour was affected by the eye condition."
2
A particular way of understanding or viewing something; an opinion or impression.
"His perception of the neighbourhood was shaped by a single bad evening."
"There is a common perception that mornings are the best time to study."
"Public perception of the company changed after the scandal."
How to use perception
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the process of sensing the world around you, or the general impression people have about something.
Common pairings
public perception
perception of reality
change perceptions
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Word forms
- Plural
- perceptions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ of sound depends on how the brain interprets signals from the ear.
Etymology
From Latin perceptio, "a gathering or grasping", from percipere, "to perceive" — see "perceive".
Related words
Rhymes for perception
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
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