Percibir (en. Perceive)

/peɾˈsiβiɾ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
Becoming aware of something through the senses.
She can perceive the sound of music in the distance.
Ella puede percibir el sonido de la música a lo lejos.
Receiving an amount of money or benefit as payment.
The employee receives his salary at the end of the month.
El empleado percibe su salario a fin de mes.
Understanding or interpreting something.
It is difficult to perceive his true intentions.
Es difícil percibir sus verdaderas intenciones.

Etymology

From Latin 'percipere', which means 'to take completely'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

perceive a change
Realizing a modification in a state or situation.
percibir un cambio
perceive a smell
Detecting an aroma through the sense of smell.
percibir un olor
perceive sadness
Feeling or understanding another person's sadness.
percibir la tristeza

Related Words

perception
The action of perceiving, a process by which an individual receives and interprets information.
percepción
perceptible
That can be perceived or noticed.
perceptible
perceptive
That has the ability to perceive easily.
perceptivo

Slang Meanings

To understand or realize something quickly.
When I told him the story, he quickly perceived it.
Cuando le conté la historia, rápidamente lo percibió.
To receive money, usually in an informal manner.
He always perceives an extra for doing small jobs.
Siempre percibe un extra por hacer trabajos pequeños.