perceived

adjective

per·​ceived pər-ˈsēvd 

1

: regarded in a specified way

—used to say how something or someone is seen or thought of

a perceived threat [=something that is thought of as being a threat]

In one widely held view, the dismaying distortions of so-called attack ads—negative advertising aimed at a political opponent's perceived weaknesses—have contributed to a spreading cynicism and apathy among American voters.

—John Algeo and Adele Algeo

2

: recognized through the senses

Pitch is a perceived quality of sound ordered on a scale from low to high.

—Rita L. Atkinson et al.

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1