First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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
1
a : to attain awareness or understanding of b : to regard as being such <perceived threats> <was perceived as a loser>
2
— 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
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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
Other Psychology Terms
Rhymes with PERCEIVE
PERCEIVED Defined for Kids
perceive
verb per·ceive \pər-ˈsēv\
per·ceivedper·ceiv·ing
Definition of PERCEIVE for Kids
1
: 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>
2
: to recognize or realize <I perceived a change in her attitude.>
3
: to think of as <The message was perceived as a threat.>
Medical Dictionary
perceive
transitive verb per·ceive \pər-ˈsēv\
per·ceivedper·ceiv·ing
Medical Definition of PERCEIVE
: to become aware of through the senses
—per·ceiv·able \-ˈsē-və-bəl\ adjective
—per·ceiv·ably \-blē\ adverb
—per·ceiv·er noun
Learn More About PERCEIVE
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