perception
/pərˈsɛp.ʃən/
noun
Origin
Latin
percipere — to seize, grasp, or obtain
Overview
Meaning Now
- The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.
- The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.
Literal older meaning
a taking or receiving
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
percepcioun
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term entered English during the Middle English period, reflecting the influence of scholastic philosophy where 'perception' was synonymous with the gathering of knowledge via the senses.
Evolution
- Latin
percipere
“to gather, seize, or understand”
Compound of per- (thoroughly) + capere (to take).
- Old French
percepcion
“collection or act of perceiving”
- Middle English
percepcioun
“mental discernment or sensory observation”
Connections
Word parts
per-
prefix
thoroughly
capere
root
to take
-tion
suffix
noun-forming suffix
Related across languages
French
perception
Spanish
percepción
perception
Explore next
Related to perception
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.