Perceive

/pərˈsiːv/ verb

Definition

To notice or become aware of something, often using your senses or your mind. It can also mean to understand something in a particular way.

Etymology

From Old French “percevoir,” from Latin “percipere” meaning “to seize entirely, to understand.” It combines “per-” (thoroughly) and “capere” (to take). Over time it shifted from physically taking hold of something to mentally taking it in.

Kelly Says

When you perceive something, your brain is ‘grabbing’ it, not just your eyes or ears. Two people can perceive the same event very differently, which shows that perception is partly about interpretation, not just raw facts.

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