Perceive: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when you are talking about becoming aware of something through the senses, or understanding something in a particular way.

• She perceived a change in his attitude
• They perceived the risks involved in the plan

Suitable for situations involving the discovery or identification of something that is not immediately obvious or is hidden.

• The scientist detected traces of gas in the sample
• He could detect a hint of sarcasm in her voice

This word is appropriate when you need to describe the ability to see, recognize, or understand something that is not clear, typically involving careful thought or observation.

• She could discern a figure in the fog
• It took years to discern the patterns in the data

This is used when identifying something or someone that you have seen before or when acknowledging the existence, validity, or legality of something.

• She recognized him from their school days
• Scientists recognize the importance of preserving biodiversity

Best used when referring to watching something carefully, often to gather information or gain insight. More formal and systematic than simply looking.

• He observed the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat
• She observed the changes in the experiment over several weeks

Used when noticing or identifying something using the senses or the mind. Often used in contexts where observation or awareness is key.

• She could perceive a hint of sadness in his voice.
• He perceived the world differently after the incident.

Used when fully understanding or grasping something complex, detailed, or difficult.

• She took a moment to comprehend the magnitude of the problem.
• I can comprehend why he made that decision after the explanation.

Used when explaining or providing meaning to something, often texts, art, or data. It involves translation or clarification.

• She was able to interpret the ancient symbols with ease.
• How do you interpret this piece of abstract art?

Used when understanding or capturing an idea or information quickly. Also can mean to arrest someone (legal context).

• The police managed to apprehend the suspect late last night.
• He could not apprehend the full meaning of the complex theory.

Used when quickly or firmly understanding something, often with a sense of urgency or difficulty.

• He was able to grasp the basic concepts of the new software.
• Despite her efforts, she couldn't grasp the underlying principles.

Use this word to describe the awareness or understanding of something, often through the senses or mind. It can be used in both abstract and concrete contexts.

• She could perceive the tension in the room
• He perceived the changes in her behavior

This word is best used when describing the ability to discover or identify something that is not immediately obvious. It often involves some level of effort or technology.

• The doctor managed to detect the disease at an early stage
• They detected a strange noise coming from the basement

Use this word when identifying something or someone that you have seen, heard, or known before. It implies familiarity or prior knowledge.

• I recognized her voice on the phone
• He didn’t recognize the old building after so many years

This word is typically used to describe the intuitive or immediate feeling or awareness of something. It often refers to an instinctual or emotional response.

• She could sense his fear
• He sensed that something was wrong before anyone said a word