Perceiving: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about becoming aware of something through the senses or the mind. It often implies a deeper understanding or insight.

• She had a way of perceiving the true motives behind people's actions.
• He perceived a change in her attitude.

Best used when referring to discovering or identifying the presence of something that is not immediately obvious or is hidden.

• The scientists are detecting traces of water on Mars.
• She has a knack for detecting lies.

Commonly used for mentioning when someone becomes aware of something briefly or by chance, without implying deep understanding.

• She noticed a small stain on her dress.
• He noticed the sun was setting.

Appropriate when identifying something or someone that one has seen or known before. It often involves memory or past experience.

• She recognized her old friend in the photograph.
• Upon entering the room, he did not recognize anyone there.

Typically used in situations where keen judgment or insight is involved. It implies the ability to distinguish between things, often related to fine details.

• A discerning reader will notice the subtle themes in the story.
• He has a discerning eye for quality art.

Use this when you talk about using your senses to notice or become aware of something.

• She was perceiving the subtle changes in the environment.
• They were perceiving a strange noise coming from the basement.

A common word used when you recognize the meaning, significance, or nature of something.

• He had a good understanding of the subject.
• They were understanding the challenges better after the meeting.

This word is used when forming an idea, plan, or understanding something in your mind.

• After much thought, she was conceiving a new design for the project.
• They are conceiving new ways to solve the problem.

It is typically used when physically holding something or understanding something with effort and clarity.

• The baby was grasping his mother's finger.
• She was finally grasping the main concepts of the lesson.

This is often used in a more formal context and can refer to both understanding something and capturing someone who has committed a crime.

• The police were apprehending the suspect.
• He had difficulty apprehending the complex theories of quantum physics.