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

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

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

People always have to perceive the problems before them, including many unexpected nuances, and decide how to handle them.

From The Daily Beast

On the other hand, patients may not perceive much downside to taking the medications, even if they may not help much.

From The Daily Beast

They still saw white policemen killing unarmed African Americans in what they perceive as cold blood and without repercussions.

From The Daily Beast

They want Americans to perceive Washington as broken, especially heading into 2016.

From The Daily Beast

It becomes a hapless gesture of uninformed social media departments who perceive the potential of engagement without consequences.

From The Daily Beast

His enemies in the cabinet were quick to perceive when their devices had taken effect on the King and Queen.

From Project Gutenberg

I perceive no immediate reason for the evacuation of Peking as far as the supply of game is concerned.

From Project Gutenberg

This danger Garnache, however, was no less quick to perceive, and with a dismaying promptness did he take his measures.

From Project Gutenberg

They have an old Cathedral here (now Presbyterian) of which the citizens seem quite proud, I can't perceive why.

From Project Gutenberg

I can perceive none, even though the steamships should still proceed to Liverpool as heretofore.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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