perceive

verb

per·​ceive pər-ˈsēv 

perceived; perceiving; perceives

transitive verb

1

a

: to attain awareness or understanding of

b

: to regard as being such

was perceived as a loser

2

: to become aware of through the senses

especially : see, observe

perceivable

pər-ˈsē-və-bəl 

adjective

perceivably

pər-ˈsē-və-blē 

adverb

perceiver noun

Synonyms

• feel
• scent
• see
• sense
• smell
• taste

Examples of perceive in a Sentence

We perceive by means of the kaleidoscopic mirror of this life. This means that our ability to perceive is at once tyrannized by our expectations, and at war with them. —James Baldwin, The Evidence of Things Not Seen, 1985

Standing in the hallway just out of sight during this interview was Sarah. She held her baby on her hip and she listened. She perceived as no one in the family could the enormity of the misfortune. —E. L. Doctorow, Ragtime, 1974

… and when they perceived her to be little struck with the duet they were so good as to play, they could do no more than make her a generous present of some of their least valued toys, and leave her to herself, while they adjourned to whatever might be the favourite holiday sport of the moment, making artificial flowers or wasting gold paper. —Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814

I thought I perceived a problem, but I wasn't sure.

perceived that it was going to be a nice day

Recent Examples on the Web

However, what violent extremists perceive as a tacit nod of approval — based on Trump’s own violent rhetoric — could lead to a surge in domestic terrorism in a country that remains anxious, angry and well-armed. —Colin P. Clarke, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024

In reaction to North Korea’s growing ties with Russia, the United States and its allies in East Asia might strengthen their military cooperation—something China perceives as a threat to its own security. —Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024

With its climate leadership perceived to be weakening, New Zealand may get a cooler reception at COP than in previous years, especially from Pacific Island nations, Cooper said. —Mahalia Dobson, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024

And several studies have found people report perceiving less discomfort in the next day or two after wearing them. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French perceivre, from Latin percipere, from per- thoroughly + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

perceive

verb

per·​ceive pər-ˈsēv 

perceived; perceiving

1

: understand sense 1a, comprehend

2

: to become aware of through the senses and especially through sight

perceiver noun

Medical Definition

perceive

transitive verb

per·​ceive pər-ˈsēv 

perceived; perceiving

: to become aware of through the senses

perceivable

-ˈsē-və-bəl 

adjective

perceivably

-blē 

adverb

perceiver noun