perceive

[ per-seev ]
/ pərˈsiv /

verb (used with object), per·ceived, per·ceiv·ing.

to become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses: I perceived an object looming through the mist.
to recognize, discern, envision, or understand: I perceive a note of sarcasm in your voice. This is a nice idea but I perceive difficulties in putting it into practice.

Origin of perceive

1250–1300; Middle English perceiven < Anglo-French *perceivre, for perçoivre < Latin percipere to lay hold of, grasp, equivalent to per- per- + -cipere, combining form of capere to take

OTHER WORDS FROM perceive

Example sentences from the Web for perceiving

British Dictionary definitions for perceiving

perceive
/ (pəˈsiːv) /

verb

to become aware of (something) through the senses, esp the sight; recognize or observe
(tr; may take a clause as object) to come to comprehend; grasp

Derived forms of perceive

perceivable, adjective perceivability, noun perceivably, adverb perceiver, noun

Word Origin for perceive

C13: from Old French perçoivre, from Latin percipere seize entirely, from per- (thoroughly) + capere to grasp

Medical definitions for perceiving

perceive
[ pər-sēv ]

v.

To become aware of directly through any of the senses, especially sight or hearing.
To achieve understanding of; apprehend.

Other words from perceive

per•ceiva•ble adj.