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

Most interestingly, human listeners perceived the sound of the Aztec death whistle to be partly of natural and organic origin, like a human voice or scream.

From Science Daily

Layered on top of that is the fact that political disagreements have morphed into moral conflicts that are perceived as pitting good against evil.

From Los Angeles Times

In the VR setting, participants reporting positive emotions perceived stronger aromas.

From Science Daily

At the same time, Trump relishes the idea of being perceived as a deal maker.

From Los Angeles Times

Apparently, this was just the latest wave of such requests that have been received by all the various federal agencies sent by Trump-aligned groups over the last two years demanding to identify "perceived partisans."

From Salon

Related Words

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