B2verb 2K

Perceive

🇬🇧 UK /["/pəˈsiːv/","/pəˈsiːvz/","/pəˈsiːvd/","/pəˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/pərˈsiːv/","/pərˈsiːvz/","/pərˈsiːvd/","/pərˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Perceive

to understand or think of somebody/something in a particular way

In simple words: To see or become aware of something.

Perceive in a sentence

• She can perceive subtle changes in the mood of the room.
• It’s difficult to perceive the depth of the water from the surface.
• He perceived a sense of unease among his colleagues.
• Many people perceive beauty in different ways.
• As a child, she could perceive things that others could not.

How to use Perceive

Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Be cautious with formal contexts, as it implies a deeper understanding than just seeing.

Grammar pattern

perceive + object

Memory hint

Think of 'see' in 'perceive' — both are about noticing or understanding.

Related words

Collocations with Perceive

• clearly
• distinctly
• dimly
• be able to
• can
• be unable to
• as
• commonly perceived
• generally perceived
• typically perceived
• clearly
• distinctly
• dimly
• be able to
• can
• be unable to
• as
• commonly perceived
• generally perceived
• typically perceived

Synonyms for Perceive

• see

Opposites of Perceive

• ignore
• overlook

Common mistakes with Perceive

• Confused with 'receive' — 'perceive' means to understand, while 'receive' means to get.
• Using it in slang situations — it's usually more formal.
• Not using the right object — remember to use something you can perceive, like 'the situation' or 'the problem'.

Frequently asked questions about Perceive

What does Perceive mean?

To see or become aware of something.

What is the definition of Perceive?

to understand or think of somebody/something in a particular way

How do you use Perceive in a sentence?

She can perceive subtle changes in the mood of the room.

Can you give another example of Perceive?

It’s difficult to perceive the depth of the water from the surface.

What are synonyms for Perceive?

Common alternatives include see.

What is the opposite of Perceive?

Opposite meanings include ignore, overlook.

What words go with Perceive?

It commonly pairs with clearly, distinctly, dimly, be able to, can, be unable to, as, commonly perceived, generally perceived, typically perceived, clearly, distinctly, dimly, be able to, can, be unable to, as, commonly perceived, generally perceived, typically perceived.

What are common mistakes when using Perceive?

Confused with 'receive' — 'perceive' means to understand, while 'receive' means to get. Using it in slang situations — it's usually more formal. Not using the right object — remember to use something you can perceive, like 'the situation' or 'the problem'.

How do you pronounce Perceive?

US: /["/pərˈsiːv/","/pərˈsiːvz/","/pərˈsiːvd/","/pərˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/pəˈsiːv/","/pəˈsiːvz/","/pəˈsiːvd/","/pəˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Perceive?

Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Be cautious with formal contexts, as it implies a deeper understanding than just seeing.

What CEFR level is Perceive?

"Perceive" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.