perceive
gb/pɚsˈiv/ us/pɚsˈiv/
B1
English
~ 2900
észlel, érzékel, észrevesz, tart, lát, értelmez
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to perceive [something]
I perceived a shadow moving behind the curtain.
Észrevettem, hogy egy árnyék mozog a függöny mögött.
She perceived the faint sound of music in the distance.
Észlelte a távolból hallatszó halk zenét.
He perceived the smell of smoke in the air.
They perceived a change in her mood.
We perceived the problem before it got worse.
Learner examples
I perceived a noise outside.
Zajt észleltem odakint.
She perceived a man in the room.
Észrevett egy férfit a szobában.
He perceived a smell of food.
They perceived a new face at school.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'perceive' with 'think' or 'believe'. 'Perceive' is about noticing through senses, not forming opinions (though it can also mean interpret).
Meaning
Become aware through senses
Collocations
perceive a difference
|perceive a threat
|perceive a change
|perceive danger
Synonyms
notice (More general and common in everyday speech, without implying deep thought.)
Antonyms
overlook (Fails to notice something that is there.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To see, hear, or notice something.
To notice or become aware of something by using one of your senses, especially sight or hearing.
VERB
B2
2
Usage pattern:
to perceive [something] as [adjective/noun]
The public perceives him as a strong leader.
A közvélemény erős vezetőnek tartja.
She perceived his silence as a sign of anger.
A hallgatását a harag jelének értelmezte.
Many perceive this law as unnecessary.
I perceived her comment as an insult.
They perceive the situation differently.
Learner examples
I perceive this as a good idea.
Ezt jó ötletnek tartom.
She perceives the game as too hard.
Túl nehéznek tartja a játékot.
They perceive him as very kind.
He perceives the weather as cold.
Common mistake:
Learners may forget to use 'as' when describing how something is perceived (e.g., 'perceive it good' instead of 'perceive it as good').
Meaning
Understand or interpret
Collocations
perceive as unfair
|perceive as dangerous
|perceive reality
Synonyms
interpret (Focuses more on explaining the meaning of something, often in a formal context.)
Antonyms
misunderstand (Fail to understand or interpret correctly.)
Themes
thinking
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To understand or think about something in a certain way.
To understand or think of something in a particular way; to interpret it mentally.
Grammar
Dictionary form
perceive
IPA
GB/pɚsˈiv/
US/pɚsˈiv/
Syllables & stress
per - ceive (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (per)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: perceive
- 3rd Person Singular: perceives
- Present Participle: perceiving
- Past: perceived
Word family
Forms
perceives
verb
perceiving
verb
perceived
verb
Core family
perception
noun B2
perceptive
adjective C1
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
Expressions
be perceived to be
1/bˈi pɚsˈivd tə bˈi/
fixed phrase
Be regarded in certain way
To be seen or thought of in a certain way by others.
Examples
- She is perceived to be very honest.
- The plan was perceived to be risky.
perceive as
1/pɚsˈiv ˈæz/
fixed phrase
Interpret in a certain way
To think about something in a certain way.
Examples
- I perceive this change as positive.
- Many people perceive his words as rude.