perceive — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To become aware of, through the physical senses, to see; to understand.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

   More examples (3)

   Morton was in fearful time pressure and at first did not realize he was mated. He snatched up his King and swung it around wildly, finally perceiving that there was no square for the critter,

   Then our first effort must be to identify the actual words. Only after recognizing them individually can we begin to try to understand them, to struggle with perceiving what they mean.

   Numerous experimental tests and other observations have been offered in favor of animal mind reading, and although many scientists are skeptical, others assert that humans are not the only species capable of representing what others do and don’t perceive and know.

2. To interpret something in a particular way.

   Examples

   John was perceived to be a coward by his comrades

Verb

1. to become aware of through the senses

   Synonyms

   comprehend

   Broader terms

   learnhearget wordget windpick upfind outget a linediscoversee

   Examples

   I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon

2. become conscious of

   Broader terms

   understandrealizerealisesee

   Examples

   She finally perceived the futility of her protest