Which statement best defines perceive?

• A. to become aware of
• B. to observe; to notice
• C. to ignore
• D. to forget

Answer: (A)

Perceive is about becoming aware of something through sensing or understanding it. It involves noticing and making sense of what you sense, not just the act of looking. The best fit here is “to become aware of,” because it captures both the moment of noticing and the mental acknowledgment or interpretation that follows. While observing or noticing can be part of perceiving, perceive emphasizes the awareness itself, not just the act of looking. Ignoring or forgetting are opposite ideas, as they imply a failure to notice or retain awareness. So the meaning that best defines perceive is to become aware of.