Synonyms for perceive
pərˈsivper·ceive

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:3.5 / 6 votes

1. perceive

   We perceive what is presented through the senses. We apprehend what is presented to the mind, whether through the senses or by any other means. Yet perceive is used in the figurative sense of seeing through to a conclusion, in a way for which usage would not allow us to substitute apprehend; as, "Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet," John iv, 19. That which we apprehend we catch, as with the hand; that which we conceive we are able to analyze and recompose in our mind; that which we comprehend, we, as it were, grasp around, take together, seize, embrace wholly within the mind. Many things may be apprehended which can not be comprehended; a child can apprehend the distinction between right and wrong, yet the philosopher can not comprehend it in its fulness. We can apprehend the will of God as revealed in conscience or the Scriptures; we can conceive of certain attributes of Deity, as his truth and justice; but no finite intelligence can comprehend the Divine Nature, in its majesty, power, and perfection. Compare ANTICIPATE; ARREST; CATCH; KNOWLEDGE.

   Synonyms:
   apprehend, comprehend, conceive, understand

   Antonyms:
   fail of, ignore, lose, misapprehend, misconceive, miss, overlook

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:4.5 / 2 votes

1. perceive

   Synonyms:
   discern, distinguish, descry, observe, feel, touch, see, recognize, understand, know

   Antonyms:
   miss, misobserve, overlook, misunderstand, misconceive, misperceive

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:4.0 / 1 vote

1. perceive, comprehendverb

   to become aware of through the senses

   "I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon"

   Synonyms:
   cover, dig, apprehend, savvy, encompass, grok, compass, get the picture, comprehend, grasp, embrace

2. perceiveverb

   become conscious of

   "She finally perceived the futility of her protest"

   Synonyms:
   comprehend

Matched Categories

1. • Realize

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. perceiveverb

   Synonyms:
   see, discover, note, notice, remark, observe, descry, behold, discern

2. perceiveverb

   Synonyms:
   feel, be sensible of

3. perceiveverb

   Synonyms:
   understand, comprehend, know

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. perceiveverb

   Synonyms:
   see, discern, observe, apprehend, comprehend, understand

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:2.5 / 2 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "perceive":

   collect, receive

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How to use perceive in a sentence?

1. Rachel Greszler:

   Outright fraud is actually a pretty small component of the program's problems, most people perceive fraud as a big issue but what they might consider fraud - people receiving benefits when they have the ability to work - is often just abuse of the system by taking advantage of certain rules and structures that allow people who can perform some work to nevertheless receive benefits.

2. Kara Davidson:

   People are always asking how cats don't just run away in fear when you take them camping or hiking, i think many people perceive cats as lazy or anxious creatures that would be too scared to go outside and enjoy themselves. In reality, most cats enjoy the outdoors just as much as dogs.

3. Christen Kuikoua:

   Seeing doesn't make it truth; hearing doesn't make it facts. Recognizing that everything we perceive is filtered through subjective lenses, we understand the importance of discernment and the influence of individual perspectives.

4. Ralph Judson Smith:

   If you can perceive beauty, then for you the world is a beautiful place. And you are going to make it better.

5. Jim Ambrose:

   It puts me in a position of somebody who is being proactive about their life. One who is acting in defense of Jim Ambrose and others, to couch it that way informs the listener -- often a potential sexual partner -- that I care what you think, but I know enough about Jim Ambrose to know that if you want to perceive me as a victim, cry for me, be disgusted by me or get up and leave, you can do all of those things.