perceive

verb

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

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 How to pronounce perceive (audio)
adjective
perceivably
pər-ˈsē-və-blē How to pronounce perceive (audio)
adverb
perceiver noun

Synonyms of perceive

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Given the president’s delicate psyche, Maher knew anything short of absolute praise would be perceived as an insult. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Taking Ownership of Morocco’s Creativity Reflecting on how Moroccans are perceived in the broader industry, one of El Moutii’s biggest qualms is the conception that Morocco is a hub for cheap labor and goods. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026 Serbs across the country embraced the Student List, who are viewed as fresh faces in politics and are not tied to Serbia’s traditional political opposition, which is perceived as ineffective and corrupt by a lot of the voters. — Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 What readers are saying The comments express strong criticism of Lauren Boebert, focusing on her behavior and perceived lack of qualifications. — Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perceive

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

Rhymes for perceive

See All Rhymes for perceive

Browse Nearby Words

perceivance
perceive
perceived
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceive. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

perceive

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