perceive

verb

per·​ceive pər-ˈsēv 

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

pər-ˈsē-və-bəl 

adjective

perceivably

pər-ˈsē-və-blē 

adverb

perceiver noun

Synonyms of perceive

• feel
• sense
• see
• notice
• smell
• hear

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

When leaders consistently model respectful behavior, address issues promptly and reinforce standards in decision-making, compliance becomes embedded in culture rather than perceived as a separate function. — Elissa Rossi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

In 1532, the Tudor Vermin Laws provided bounties for killing a broad range of species perceived as a threat in Early Modern English society to agricultural food stocks. — Elan Abrell, The Conversation, 22 July 2026

Other data shows that citizens in 17 EU countries, and businesses in 18, perceived judicial independence as having improved or stayed stable from the previous year. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026

Where some may see this behavior as vain or egotistical, others may perceive it as bold, self-assured and passionate. — Mallorie Sullivan, USA Today, 20 July 2026

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

Rhymes for perceive

• achieve
• believe
• conceive
• deceive
• naive
• receive
• relieve
• reprieve
• retrieve
• breve
• cleave
• cleeve

Kids Definition

perceive

verb

per·​ceive pər-ˈsēv 

perceived; perceiving

1

: understand sense 1a, comprehend

2

: to become aware of through the senses and especially through sight

perceiver noun

Medical Definition

perceive

transitive verb

per·​ceive pər-ˈsēv 

perceived; perceiving

: to become aware of through the senses

perceivable

-ˈsē-və-bəl 

adjective

perceivably

-blē 

adverb

perceiver noun