Which word means to become aware of something through the senses?

• A. perceive
• B. period
• C. phase
• D. perspective

Answer: (A)

Noticing something through the senses is the idea of perception. To perceive means to become aware of or observe something using your senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or touching. In this sense, the word that fits the prompt is perceive, because it directly describes sensing and becoming aware of something around you. The other terms refer to time or viewpoint rather than sensing: period is a span of time, phase is a stage in a process, and perspective is a particular point of view. For example, you can perceive a faint aroma in the room or perceive a change in light as it gets darker.