What does "perceive" mean?

1. (to notice with senses) to notice or see something, especially when it is not very obvious. 2. (to interpret or view) to think of something or someone in a certain way.

How do you use "perceive"?

Often used with 'can' or 'could' to describe sensory detection. Commonly used in the pattern 'perceive something as something'.

perceive

US //pɝˈsiv// UK //pəsˈiːv// per·ceive

1 to notice with senses (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to notice or see something, especially when it is not very obvious.

to become aware of something through the physical senses, particularly sight or hearing.

Example

I could perceive a faint smell of smoke coming from the kitchen.

Example

The researchers were able to perceive subtle changes in the patient's heart rate that had gone unnoticed by the previous team.

Usage

Often used with 'can' or 'could' to describe sensory detection.
- ignore
- overlook
2 to interpret or view (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to think of something or someone in a certain way.

to regard, interpret, or understand something in a particular manner.

Example

Many people perceive the new law as a threat to their privacy.

Example

The public tends to perceive the CEO as a visionary leader, despite the company's recent financial struggles.

Usage

Commonly used in the pattern 'perceive something as something'.

Origin

From Middle English perceyven, borrowed from Old French percevoir, perceveir, from Latin percipiō, past participle perceptus (“take hold of, obtain, receive, observe”), from per (“by, through”) + capiō (“to take”); see capable. Compare conceive, deceive, receive.