Definition of perceive

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per·ceive    (pr-sv) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
per·ceived, per·ceiv·ing, per·ceives

1. To become aware of directly through any of the senses, especially sight or hearing.
2. To achieve understanding of; apprehend. See Synonyms at see¹.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English perceiven, from Old French perceivre, from Latin percipere : per-, per- + capere, to seize; see kap- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
per·ceiva·ble(Adjective), per·ceiva·bly(Adverb), per·ceiver(Noun)