perceived; perceiving; perceives
1
a
: to attain awareness or understanding of
b
: to regard as being such
was perceived as a loser
Examples of perceive in a Sentence
We perceive by means of the kaleidoscopic mirror of this life. This means that our ability to perceive is at once tyrannized by our expectations, and at war with them.
—
James Baldwin, The Evidence of Things Not Seen, 1985
Standing in the hallway just out of sight during this interview was Sarah. She held her baby on her hip and she listened. She perceived as no one in the family could the enormity of the misfortune.
—E. L. Doctorow, Ragtime, 1974
… and when they perceived her to be little struck with the duet they were so good as to play, they could do no more than make her a generous present of some of their least valued toys, and leave her to herself, while they adjourned to whatever might be the favourite holiday sport of the moment, making artificial flowers or wasting gold paper.
—Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814
I thought I perceived a problem, but I wasn't sure.
perceived that it was going to be a nice day
James Baldwin, The Evidence of Things Not Seen, 1985
Standing in the hallway just out of sight during this interview was Sarah. She held her baby on her hip and she listened. She perceived as no one in the family could the enormity of the misfortune.
—E. L. Doctorow, Ragtime, 1974
… and when they perceived her to be little struck with the duet they were so good as to play, they could do no more than make her a generous present of some of their least valued toys, and leave her to herself, while they adjourned to whatever might be the favourite holiday sport of the moment, making artificial flowers or wasting gold paper.
—Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814
I thought I perceived a problem, but I wasn't sure.
perceived that it was going to be a nice day
Recent Examples on the Web
Deterrence is no simple numbers game, but a gap this wide is a clear liability, for reasons of both objective and perceived weakness.
—Florence Gaub, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
When a brand is known for discretion and high standards, its services are likely to be perceived as more valuable.
—Ken Thomas, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
China was perceived as a direct threat to the United States by 80 percent of respondents.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
With options from single-serve bowls to snack packs, Twisted Noodles aims to redefine how ramen is perceived and consumed in the US.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perceive
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Florence Gaub, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
When a brand is known for discretion and high standards, its services are likely to be perceived as more valuable.
—Ken Thomas, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
China was perceived as a direct threat to the United States by 80 percent of respondents.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
With options from single-serve bowls to snack packs, Twisted Noodles aims to redefine how ramen is perceived and consumed in the US.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perceive
Cite this Entry
“Perceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceive. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perceive
verb
per·ceive
pər-ˈsēv 
perceived; perceiving
2
: to become aware of through the senses and especially through sight
perceiver
noun
Medical Definition
perceive
transitive verb
per·ceive
pər-ˈsēv
perceived; perceiving
: to become aware of through the senses
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