perceive

[per-seev]

verb (used with object)

perceived, perceiving 

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

Other Word Forms

• perceiver noun
• perceivingness noun
• nonperceiving adjective
• reperceive verb (used with object)
• self-perceiving adjective
• unperceiving adjective
• perceivability noun
• perceivably adverb
• perceivable 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 doesn't actually change size as it rises higher, but our eyes perceive this differently.

From BBC

For all the criticism heaped on Penn State coach James Franklin regarding his perceived inability to win the big games, there is a flip side.

From Los Angeles Times

Many observers perceive a partisan as well as principled divide on the current court.

From Salon

There are no questions about Mitchell's defensive abilities but one of the possible things that has led to Tuchel not calling him up is the perceived questions about his attacking output.

From BBC

She said the "outcome risks political fragmentation, stronger nationalist rhetoric against perceived external interference, and possible economic fallout".

From BBC

Related Words

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