How to pronounce perception
Say it like per-SEP-shun. Perception has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP).
- per
- SEP
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perception pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- SEPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of perception
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-SEP-shun.
What does perception mean?
- The organisation, identification and interpretation of sensory information.
- Conscious understanding of something.“have perception of time”
- Vision (ability)
Where does perception come from?
From Middle English percepcioun, from Middle French percepcion, from Latin perceptiō (“a receiving or collecting, perception, comprehension”), from perceptus (“perceived, observed”), perfect passive participle of percipiō (“to perceive, observe”); see perceive.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with perception
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of perception.
- exception
- reception
- conception
- deception
- inception
- interception
- contraception
- misconception
- preconception
- proprioception
Questions about saying perception
How do you pronounce perception?
Say per-SEP-shun. The American pronunciation is /pɚˈsɛpʃən/. In British English it is /pəˈsɛpʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perception?
Perception has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP). Broken into parts: per · SEP · shun.
Is perception pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /pəˈsɛpʃən/ (puh-SEP-shun).