Synonyms for

Perceive

Verb / pɜ:ˈsi:v / Another word for perceive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To become aware or conscious of something through the senses.

Synonyms & similar words

comprehend sense detect observe recognize comprehend appreciate understand realize grasp discern see catch note feel conceive construe interpret imagine picture visualize

Synonyms by register

Formal

discern recognize apprehend comprehend

Informal

see notice spot figure out

Literary

divine espry behold

Antonyms

ignore miss overlook disregard unaware unnotice

Common collocations

  • perceive the importance
  • perceive a threat
  • perceive a change
  • perceive the truth
  • perceive the need
  • perceive the difference
  • perceive the situation

Word family

noun perception
verb perceive
adjective perceptive
adverb perceptively

Usage note

Perceive often implies a deeper understanding or interpretation than simply seeing or noticing. It can also be used to describe how something is understood or regarded by others.

Example sentences

  1. I can perceive the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore.
  2. She could perceive the faint smell of smoke in the air.
  3. He couldn't perceive any difference between the two colors.
  4. I perceive that you are unhappy with the decision.
  5. The blind man could not perceive the rainbow.

Quotes

  • The way we perceive the problem is the problem. - Stephen Covey
  • We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. - Anais Nin
  • Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change. - Wayne Dyer

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