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perception

per-SEP-shun /pərˈsɛpʃən/

nounB2TOEFLIELTSSAT

neutralformal

The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.

Perception is subjective; it's how individuals or groups interpret information and form opinions. PR efforts often aim to shape or shift public perception.

The story behind the word. The word 'perception' comes from the Latin 'perceptio,' meaning 'a taking, gathering, receiving.' It's derived from 'percipere,' 'to seize, take possession of, understand.' This reflects the idea of the mind 'taking in' or 'grasping' information from the senses or from communication to form an understanding.

Word relationships

view: A particular way of thinking about or regarding something.
impression: An idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, especially one formed without conscious thought or on the basis of little evidence.
understanding: The ability to comprehend something; perception is the process of forming that understanding.

fact: A thing that is known or proved to be true.
reality: The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them.

Commonly confused with

opinion: An opinion is a belief or judgment; perception is the way in which that belief or judgment is formed and held.

Word family

perceive (verb): to become aware or conscious of (something); to come to realize or understand
perceptive (adjective): having or showing sensitive insight

Collocations

public perception
shift perception
manage perception
negative perception
positive perception
alter perception

Idioms & expressions

perception is reality

Example sentences

"Despite the company's efforts, public perception of their environmental record remained largely negative." Discussing the subjective nature of public opinion.
"His perception of the situation was completely different from mine, leading to a misunderstanding." Referring to an individual's understanding.

Memory hook

Your 'perception' is how you 'per-ceive' (receive and interpret) the world around you. Per-ceive the world

When not to use

Avoid using 'perception' when you mean objective fact. Perception is about interpretation, which can differ from reality.

Fun facts

Psychologists study 'selective perception,' where individuals tend to interpret information in a way that is consistent with their existing beliefs.
Optical illusions play on the tricks of visual perception.