perceive

verb per·ceive \pər-ˈsēv\

: to notice or become aware of (something)

: to think of (someone or something) as being something stated

per·ceivedper·ceiv·ing

Full Definition of PERCEIVE

transitive verb

a : to attain awareness or understanding of

b : to regard as being such <perceived threats> <was perceived as a loser>

: to become aware of through the senses; especially : see, observe

— per·ceiv·able \-ˈsē-və-bəl\ adjective

— per·ceiv·ably \-blē\ adverb

— per·ceiv·er noun

See perceive defined for English-language learners

See perceive defined for kids

Examples of PERCEIVE

We perceive by means of the kaleidoscopic mirror of this life. This means that our ability to perceive is at one 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
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Origin of PERCEIVE

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PERCEIVE

Synonyms: feel, scent, see, sense, smell, taste

Antonyms: miss

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

Rhymes with PERCEIVE

Abib, achieve, aggrieve, believe, bereave, cap sleeve, conceive, deceive, French leave, frost heave, Hoccleve, inweave, khedive, motive, naive, pet peeve, plain weave, qui vive, receive, relieve, reprieve, retrieve, shirtsleeve, shore leave, sick leave, unreeve, unweave, upheave

PERCEIVABLE Defined for Kids

perceive

verb per·ceive \pər-ˈsēv\

per·ceivedper·ceiv·ing

Definition of PERCEIVE for Kids

: to become aware of through the senses and especially through sight <Perceiving the intruders in their nest the birds flew down upon them … — L. Frank Baum, The Marvelous Land of Oz>

: to recognize or realize <I perceived a change in her attitude.>

: to think of as <The message was perceived as a threat.>

Medical Dictionary