/ pəˈsepʃn; NAmE pərˈs-/ noun
1.
[ U ] ( formal or technical ) the way you notice things, especially with the senses :
our perception of reality
visual perception
—see also extrasensory perception
2.
[ U ] ( formal ) the ability to understand the true nature of sth
SYN insight :
She showed great perception in her assessment of the family situation.
3.
[ U , C ] perception (that ... ) ( formal ) an idea, a belief or an image you have as a result of how you see or understand sth :
a campaign to change public perception of the police
There is a general public perception that standards in schools are falling.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin perceptio(n-) , from the verb percipere seize, understand, from per- entirely + capere take.