Perceive

Perceive

Verb · /pəˈsiːv/ · to become aware of something through the senses or the mind

Definition

To become aware of, notice, or understand something through sight, hearing, or thought. Perceive covers both physical sensation — I perceived a faint smell of smoke — and mental understanding — she perceived the hidden meaning in his words. It implies active awareness rather than passive exposure.

Origin

From Old French perceveir, from Latin percipere — per (through, thoroughly) + capere (to take, seize). Literally: to seize thoroughly, to grasp completely. The word entered English in the 14th century and has maintained its core meaning of grasping something with the senses or the intellect ever since.