perceive

verb

per·​ceive pər-ˈsēv How to pronounce perceive (audio)
perceived; perceiving; perceives

transitive verb

1
a
: to attain awareness or understanding of
b
: to regard as being such
was perceived as a loser
2
: to become aware of through the senses
especially : see, observe
perceivable adjective
perceivably adverb
perceiver noun

Examples of perceive in a Sentence

We perceive by means of the kaleidoscopic mirror of this life. This means that our ability to perceive is at once tyrannized by our expectations, and at war with them. James Baldwin, The Evidence of Things Not Seen, 1985
Standing in the hallway just out of sight during this interview was Sarah. She held her baby on her hip and she listened. She perceived as no one in the family could the enormity of the misfortune. E. L. Doctorow, Ragtime, 1974
… and when they perceived her to be little struck with the duet they were so good as to play, they could do no more than make her a generous present of some of their least valued toys, and leave her to herself, while they adjourned to whatever might be the favourite holiday sport of the moment, making artificial flowers or wasting gold paper. Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814
I thought I perceived a problem, but I wasn't sure. perceived that it was going to be a nice day
Recent Examples on the Web In the late 1960’s, social psychologists found that gratitude can be generated by gifts that reflect genuine effort from the giver and/or when gifts are perceived to be valuable and fulfill important needs for the recipient. Ellen Choi, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Cultural layers Some cultures are perceived as being more outgoing, which can further complicate interactions while traveling, said Hackston. Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2024 Some of the sharpest exchanges of the night centered around former President Trump, and how each of the candidates perceives his agenda and fitness for office. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024 Partisanship also plays a significant role in how individuals perceive inflation, making dissatisfaction more persistent among conservatives than liberals, experts said. Max Zahn, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perceive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perceive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French perceivre, from Latin percipere, from per- thoroughly + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of perceive was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near perceive

Cite this Entry

“Perceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceive. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

perceive

verb
per·​ceive pər-ˈsēv How to pronounce perceive (audio)
perceived; perceiving
1
2
: to become aware of through the senses and especially through sight
perceiver noun

Medical Definition

perceive

transitive verb
per·​ceive pər-ˈsēv How to pronounce perceive (audio)
perceived; perceiving
: to become aware of through the senses
perceivable adjective
perceivably adverb
perceiver noun

More from Merriam-Webster on perceive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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