perceive

[ per-seev ]

verb (used with object)

, per·ceived, per·ceiv·ing.

1. to become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses:

   I perceived an object looming through the mist.

   Synonyms: distinguish, descry, observe, discover, note

2. to recognize, discern, envision, or understand: This is a nice idea but I perceive difficulties in putting it into practice.

   I perceive a note of sarcasm in your voice.

   This is a nice idea but I perceive difficulties in putting it into practice.

perceive

/ pəˈsiːv /

verb

1. to become aware of (something) through the senses, esp the sight; recognize or observe
2. tr; may take a clause as object to come to comprehend; grasp

Derived Forms

• perˌceivaˈbility, noun
• perˈceivably, adverb
• perˈceiver, noun
• perˈceivable, adjective

Other Words From

• per·ceiv·er noun
• per·ceiv·ing·ness noun
• non·per·ceiv·ing adjective
• re·per·ceive verb (used with object) reperceived reperceiving
• self-per·ceiv·ing adjective
• un·per·ceiv·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perceive¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English perceiven, from unattested Anglo-French perceivre, for perçoivre, from Latin percipere “to lay hold of, grasp,” equivalent to per- per- + -cipere, combining form of capere “to take”

Word History and Origins

Origin of perceive¹

C13: from Old French perçoivre, from Latin percipere seize entirely, from per- (thoroughly) + capere to grasp

Synonym Study

See notice.

Example Sentences

It might make sense to buy it even at an overinflated price, she says, if the retailer is sold out and you can’t get it anywhere else, especially if you perceive it as still making a saving on the total value of all the items.

From BBC

However, what violent extremists perceive as a tacit nod of approval — based on Trump’s own violent rhetoric — could lead to a surge in domestic terrorism in a country that remains anxious, angry and well-armed.

From Los Angeles Times

People support politicians, most of the time, based what they perceive as their own self-interest.

From Salon

“People perceive that as an abuse of power,” he replied, “and that really connects with people, makes them concerned.”

From Los Angeles Times

Further complicating the matter, research points to mismatched priorities between health professionals and community residents, while residents perceive few options for communicating with health officials.

From Salon

Related Words

• appreciate
• comprehend
• distinguish
• feel
• grasp
• know
• read
• realize
• recognize
• see