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

• perceivability noun
• perceivably adverb
• perceiver noun
• perceivable adjective
• perceivingness noun
• nonperceiving adjective
• reperceive verb (used with object)
• self-perceiving adjective
• unperceiving 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

His aspiration was not of the clout-chasing, fame-hungry sort, but a drive to be understood, to have his culture recognized, to break free of stereotype and assert one’s being by being perceived.

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His worst critics perceived this outlook as complacency, something insufficiently mordant for any writer of the long, wicked 20th century.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The compact, sent out to nine colleges last week the White House perceived as “good actors,” proposed a wide-ranging set of terms the administration says are intended to elevate university standards and performance.

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The White House slammed the perceived snub, accusing the Nobel committee of placing “politics over peace.”

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The ceaseless churn of NBA gossip and debate can feel larger than the game itself; it’s not uncommon for a trade rumor, quote or perceived insult to consume a news cycle.

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Related Words

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