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Perceive: meaning, definitions and examples

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perceive

 

[ pərˈsiːv ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sense

To become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses. This can include seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, or smelling. It involves the ability to recognize and interpret sensory information.

Synonyms

detect, discern, observe, recognize

Examples of usage

  • She could perceive the faint sound of music in the distance.
  • He perceived a change in her attitude towards him.
Context #2 | Verb

understand

To understand or interpret in a certain way. It refers to grasping the meaning, significance, or importance of something.

Synonyms

apprehend, comprehend, grasp, interpret

Examples of usage

  • She perceived his words as a warning.
  • He perceived the situation differently than others.
Context #3 | Verb

psychology

In psychology, to become aware of, directly through any of the senses, especially sight or hearing. It can also refer to the understanding of one's own thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

Synonyms

detect, recognize, sense

Examples of usage

  • Children perceive their parents as role models.
  • Self-perception plays a key role in self-esteem.

Translations

Translations of the word "perceive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perceber

🇮🇳 समझना (samajhna)

🇩🇪 wahrnehmen

🇮🇩 memahami

🇺🇦 сприймати

🇵🇱 postrzegać

🇯🇵 認識する (ninshiki suru)

🇫🇷 percevoir

🇪🇸 percibir

🇹🇷 algılamak

🇰🇷 인식하다 (insikhada)

🇸🇦 يدرك (yudrik)

🇨🇿 vnímat

🇸🇰 vnímať

🇨🇳 感知 (gǎnzhī)

🇸🇮 zaznati

🇮🇸 skynja

🇰🇿 қабылдау (qabyldau)

🇬🇪 აღქმა (aghkma)

🇦🇿 qavramaq

🇲🇽 percibir

Etymology

The word 'perceive' comes from the Latin word 'percipere', which means 'to take in, receive'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally with the sense of 'to become aware of through the senses'. Over time, it has developed additional meanings related to understanding and psychology.

See also: misperceive, perceivable, perceived, perceiving, perceptibly, perception, perceptions, perceptive, perceptiveness, perceptual, unperceived.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,764, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.