Perception — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /pər-ˈsep-shən/ per·cep·tion

Meaning & Definition of Perception

Perception (noun)

  1. awareness through physical sensation, reaction to sensory stimulus
  2. understanding or interpretation of physical sensation
  3. the state of being aware, consciousness

Perception (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the ability to understand inner qualities or relationships

    "a writer of considerable perception, she remembers how it feels to be confused and insecure"

    similar: discernment, insight, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience, wisdom
    related: acuity, acumen, astuteness, clear-sightedness, keenness, penetration, percipience, perspicacity, sensitivity, understanding, appreciation, apprehension, comprehension, grasp, brain(s), braininess, brightness, brilliance, canniness, cleverness, gray matter, intellect, intelligence, judgment, mentality, power, reason, sense, smartness, wit, discrimination, foresight, foresightedness, judiciousness, prudence, sanity, logic, rationality
    near: density, dullness, obtuseness, brainlessness, folly, foolishness, idiocy, imbecility, mindlessness, silliness, simplemindedness, simpleness, stupidity, witlessness, illogic, irrationality, unreasonableness, unsoundness, craziness, insanity, lunacy, madness, preposterousness, senselessness, zaniness

  2. the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something

    "a growing perception of the enormity of the problem"

    similar: appreciation, apprehension, comprehension, grasp, grip, hold, percipience, understanding
    related: absorption, assimilation, digestion, uptake, conception, visualization, awareness, consciousness, enlightenment, realization
    opposite: incomprehension, noncomprehension
    near: misapprehension, miscomprehension, misinterpretation, misperception, misunderstanding

Related Entry: Extrasensory perception (noun)

Extrasensory perception is a different word from Perception. The synonyms below are for extrasensory perception, not for perception.

  1. the power of seeing or knowing about things that are not present to the senses

    "discouraged by the lack of progress in the case, the police were willing to listen to a woman claiming extrasensory perception"

    similar: clairvoyance, second sight, sixth sense
    related: foreknowledge, foresight, prescience, precognition, telepathy, parapsychology

Related Entry: Self-perception (noun)

Self-perception is a different word from Perception. The synonyms below are for self-perception, not for perception.

  1. the idea that you have about the kind of person you are

    "People's self-perceptions are often very different from the way other people perceive them."

    similar: self-concept, self-image, introspection, self-contemplation, self-examination, self-observation, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, self-searching, soul-searching, self-analysis, self-awareness, self-consciousness, self-recognition, introversion, self-absorption, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-involvement, self-actualization, self-esteem, self-discovery, self-exploration, self-fulfillment, self-realization, self-knowledge, self-revelation, contemplation, meditation, reflection, rumination

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Perception

The most common words with a similar meaning to Perception:

discernment, insight, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience, wisdom, appreciation, apprehension, comprehension, grasp, grip, hold, percipience, understanding

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Perception

Words with the opposite meaning of Perception:

incomprehension, noncomprehension

Related Words for Perception

acuity, acumen, astuteness, clear-sightedness, keenness, penetration, perspicacity, sensitivity, brain(s), braininess, brightness, brilliance, canniness, cleverness, gray matter, intellect, intelligence, judgment, mentality, power, reason, sense, smartness, wit, discrimination, foresight, foresightedness, judiciousness, prudence, sanity

Near Antonyms of Perception

density, dullness, obtuseness, brainlessness, folly, foolishness, idiocy, imbecility, mindlessness, silliness, simplemindedness, simpleness, stupidity, witlessness, illogic, irrationality, unreasonableness, unsoundness, craziness, insanity, lunacy, madness, preposterousness, senselessness, zaniness, misapprehension, miscomprehension, misinterpretation, misperception, misunderstanding

Word Forms of Perception

Derived words: perceptional (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Perception

Latin perception-, perceptio act of perceiving, from percipere see perceive

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Perception

Words & Phrases Containing Perception

depth perception, extrasensory perception, self-perception

Frequently Asked Questions about Perception

What does "Perception" mean?

"Perception" means awareness through physical sensation, reaction to sensory stimulus. As a noun, it is defined as: awareness through physical sensation, reaction to sensory stimulus. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Perception"?

Other words for "Perception" include discernment, insight, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness and sapience. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Perception" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Perception"?

There are 59 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Perception". Common alternatives include discernment, insight, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience, wisdom and appreciation.

What is the opposite of "Perception"?

Antonyms of "Perception" include incomprehension and noncomprehension. Near antonyms include density, dullness, obtuseness and brainlessness.

How do you use "Perception" in a sentence?

Examples of "Perception" in a sentence: "a writer of considerable perception, she remembers how it feels to be confused and insecure"; "a growing perception of the enormity of the problem".

Is "Perception" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Perception" is a noun.

Is "Perception" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Perception" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Perception"?

"Perception" is pronounced /pər-ˈsep-shən/ and divided into syllables as per·cep·tion.