Perceive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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perceive

[pərˈsiːv ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perceive	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
detect	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
discern	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
recognize	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
observe	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

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perceive	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.
comprehend	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.
interpret	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?
apprehend	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.
grasp	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.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perceive	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
detect	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
recognize	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
sense	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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Perception involves both our sensory organs and our brain's interpretation of what we sense.
Our surroundings can be understood differently based on our experiences, beliefs, and biases.
The 'perceptual set' refers to how expectations influence what we see or hear.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures can perceive colors and shapes in unique ways based on linguistic differences.
In some cultures, specific symbols or gestures can be perceived positively or negatively, showing perception's role in communication.
Art can evoke different perceptions; two people may see the same painting and understand it in completely different ways depending on their backgrounds.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Immanuel Kant argued that perception shapes our understanding of reality.
The theory of 'idealism' suggests that what we perceive is not the physical object, but rather a reflection of our mind.
Rene Descartes famously questioned perception, leading to discussions about reality versus illusion.

Science

The human brain processes visual information through the visual cortex, contributing to our ability to perceive our environment.
Studies in neuroscience indicate that our perceptions can be altered by various factors, including mental health and neurological conditions.
In biology, 'perception' also refers to how organisms respond to their environment, influencing behavior and survival.

Origin of 'perceive'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'percipere', which means 'to seize, take, or understand'.
In Middle English, it evolved to 'perceive', reflecting a change in pronunciation and spelling.
Related words include 'receipt' and 'reception', both originally linked to taking in or receiving information.

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.

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.

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