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Definition of perceive

perceive

/pɚˈsiːv/
per · ceive
Adverb:perceptively
•
Adjective:perceptive
•
Past Simple:perceived
•
Past Participle:perceived
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Present Participle:perceiving
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perceive Lexical Profile

perceive Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To interpret, regard, or understand someone or something in a particular way.

Example

"Many voters perceive the new economic policy as a positive step toward stability."

2

To become aware or conscious of something through the senses, especially sight or hearing.

Example

"The human eye can perceive millions of distinct shades of color under optimal lighting."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for perceive

• Nearby Words

per
perc
perceivable
perceive
perceiver
percent
percentage

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Anglo-Norman and Old French 'perceivre', from Latin 'percipere' ('to seize wholly, perceive, understand'), formed from 'per-' ('thoroughly') and 'capere' ('to take, grasp').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Perceive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/perceive
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