B2verb2K

Perceive

UK /["/pəˈsiːv/","/pəˈsiːvz/","/pəˈsiːvd/","/pəˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/US /["/pərˈsiːv/","/pərˈsiːvz/","/pərˈsiːvd/","/pərˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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

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

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • see

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • overlook

Common mistakes

  • 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'.