Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between Perception and Assumption

Key Difference – Perception vs Assumption
 

The key difference between perception and assumption is that perception is the way of regarding, interpreting and understanding something whereas assumption is a fact or statement that is accepted as true or certain to happen, without proof. Moreover, perceptions are more likely to give correct information since they are based on our senses or intuition whereas assumptions may be further away from the truth since they are not based on concrete proof.

What is a Perception?

Perception is a way of regarding, interpreting and understanding something. In other words, it is the way in which we sense situations. We mainly use our five senses and intuition to make perceptions. Thus, this is a process of observation and interpretation. The Oxford dictionary defines perception as “the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses” whereas the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as the “the process of perceiving something with the senses.” However, perceptions are not common to all people, i.e., perceptions can be individual to different people. Although people will usually share a common perception about an event, there will be subtle differences in each perception. People’s perceptions are based on individual experience, background, assumptions, etc.  Perceptions we have about different things, and different people can affect the way we think and behave.

Perceptions are made with one more senses.

What is an Assumption?

An assumption is a fact or statement that is considered as true. It is defined in the Oxford dictionary as “a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof”. The Merriam-Webster defines it as “Something taken for granted or accepted as true without proof; a supposition”. Thus, it becomes clear that assumption is a supposition one makes without proof.  We make lots of assumptions in our daily lives. We make assumptions about other people’s actions, their intentions or their thoughts. In other words, we use assumptions to interpret the behaviour of others. However, we never consider that we are laying a flawed foundation to understand the behaviour of others. It is always better to identify and check out the truth of your assumptions.

He made the assumption that the old lady doesn’t understand English.

What is the difference between Perception and Assumption?

Definition:

Perception is a way of regarding, interpreting and understanding something.

Assumption is a fact or statement that is considered as true, without proof.

Base:

Perceptions are based on senses or intuition.

Assumption is not based on any concrete evidence.

Verb:

Perception is taken from the verb perceive.

Assumption is taken from the verb assume.

Relation to Truth:

Perception may be closer to the truth since it is based often on sensory information.

Assumptions may not be based on truth.

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