per·ceive 
(pər-sēv)
(pər-sēv)tr.v. per·ceived, per·ceiv·ing, per·ceives
1.
a. To become aware of (something) directly through any of the senses, especially sight or hearing: We could perceive three figures in the fog.
b. To cause or allow the mind to become aware of (a stimulus): The ear perceives sounds.
2. To achieve understanding of; apprehend: Einstein perceived that energy and matter are equivalent. See Synonyms at see1.
3. To regard or consider; deem: an old technology that is still perceived as useful; a politician who is perceived to be a dissembler.
[Middle English perceiven, from Old French perceivre, from Latin percipere : per-, per- + capere, to seize; see kap- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
per·ceiva·ble adj.
per·ceiva·bly adv.
per·ceiver n.