tr.v. per·ceived, per·ceiv·ing, per·ceives 1. a. To become aware of (something) directly through any of the senses, especially sight or hearing: We could perceive three figures in the fog. b. To cause or allow the mind to become aware of (a stimulus): The ear perceives sounds. 2. To achieve understanding of; apprehend: Einstein perceived that energy and matter are equivalent. See Synonyms at see1. 3. To regard or consider; deem: an old technology that is still perceived as useful; a politician who is perceived to be a dissembler. [Middle English perceiven, from Old French perceivre, from Latin percipere : per-, per- + capere, to seize; see kap- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] per·ceiva·ble adj. per·ceiva·bly adv. per·ceiver n. |
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