perceive
Definitions
To become aware of something through the senses; to notice
察觉，感知（通过感官）
To understand or interpret something in a particular way; to regard as
理解，认识到；看作，视为
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedper- (through, thoroughly) + -ceive (Latin capere, "take") = "to take in thoroughly." When you perceive something, your senses don't just brush past it — they grab hold of it completely and carry it into your mind. From the physical "seizing through the senses" came the mental sense: to perceive a problem is to grasp it, and "perceive X as Y" is to take X into your understanding in a certain shape.
Root cap still carries 163 more wordsWhy It Means This
Perceive is the "inward" member of the -ceive trio: where receive takes an object back into your hands, perceive takes the world in through your eyes, ears, and mind. The per- ("thoroughly") is what separates a fleeting glance from real perception — you don't just see it, you take it all the way in.
Common Collocations
- 1.perceive a threat察觉到威胁
- 2.perceive as视为，看作
- 3.perceive a difference察觉出差异
- 4.widely perceived被普遍认为
- 5.perceive reality感知现实
Example Sentences
- 1.
Animals can perceive sounds that humans cannot hear.
- 2.
He perceived a change in her tone at once.
- 3.
Many voters perceive the policy as unfair.
- 4.
She is perceived as a strong and decisive leader.
Easily Confused
perceive vs notice — notice is the simple, everyday word for something catching your attention (I noticed she was late). perceive is more deliberate and often about interpretation, not just detection (he perceived the remark as an insult). You notice a sound; you perceive its meaning.