perceive

[ per-seev ]
/ pərˈsiv /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR perceive ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), per·ceived, per·ceiv·ing.

to become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses: I perceived an object looming through the mist.
to recognize, discern, envision, or understand: I perceive a note of sarcasm in your voice. This is a nice idea but I perceive difficulties in putting it into practice.

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Origin of perceive

1250–1300; Middle English perceiven < Anglo-French *perceivre, for perçoivre < Latin percipere to lay hold of, grasp, equivalent to per- per- + -cipere, combining form of capere to take

OTHER WORDS FROM perceive

Words nearby perceive

perbunan, perc, percale, percaline, perceivable, perceive, perceived noise decibel, percent, percent sign, percentage, percenter
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to perceiving

observing, attentive, aware, cognizant, conscious, sensitive

Example sentences from the Web for perceiving

British Dictionary definitions for perceiving

perceive
/ (pəˈsiːv) /

verb

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

Derived forms of perceive

perceivable, adjectiveperceivability, nounperceivably, adverbperceiver, noun

Word Origin for perceive

C13: from Old French perçoivre, from Latin percipere seize entirely, from per- (thoroughly) + capere to grasp
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for perceiving

perceive
[ pər-sēv′ ]

v.

To become aware of directly through any of the senses, especially sight or hearing.
To achieve understanding of; apprehend.

Other words from perceive

per•ceiv′a•ble adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.