Perceive

Definition

Perceive typically means to become aware or conscious of something through the senses.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pərˈsiv/
• Respelling: pur-SEEV (with "pur" as in "fur," and "SEEV" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pəˈsiːv/
• Respelling: pur-SEEV (similar to American English, with "pur" as in "fur," and "SEEV" as in "see")

In both dialects, "perceive" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "SEEV." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, emphasizing the clear articulation of the long "ee" sound in "SEEV."

Etymology

The word "perceive" comes from the Old French "perceivre," which is derived from the Latin "percipere," meaning "to take in, grasp." It is a combination of "per-" (thoroughly) and "capere" (to take).

Derivatives

• Perception
• Perceptive
• Perceptively
• Perceptibility
• Perceptual

Synonyms

• Discern
• Detect
• Recognize

Antonyms

• Overlook
• Miss
• Ignore

Usage

"Perceive" is often used when referring to the way in which someone interprets or understands something, be it through their senses or through cognition. The term can be used in a variety of contexts, ranging from sensory perception (e.g., perceiving a scent or sound) to intellectual and emotional understanding (e.g., perceiving a threat or perceiving someone's intentions).

Related Terms

• Perceptible
• Perceptiveness
• Perceptual threshold
• Perceptual distortion
• Perceptual adaptation

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To see, hear, or feel something, especially when it is not very pronounced or clear.
• Example: "Even in the dark, she could perceive a faint silhouette of the building."

• To become aware of or to understand something, particularly through intuition or insight.
• Example: "He perceived the underlying tension in the room, even though no one said anything."

• To interpret or regard someone or something in a particular way.
• Example: "Different cultures may perceive time in varied ways."