perceived

adjective

per·​ceived pər-ˈsēvd How to pronounce perceived (audio)
1
: regarded in a specified way
used to say how something or someone is seen or thought of
a perceived threat [=something that is thought of as being a threat]
In one widely held view, the dismaying distortions of so-called attack ads—negative advertising aimed at a political opponent's perceived weaknesses—have contributed to a spreading cynicism and apathy among American voters.John Algeo and Adele Algeo
2
: recognized through the senses
Pitch is a perceived quality of sound ordered on a scale from low to high.Rita L. Atkinson et al.

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perceived was in 1704

Dictionary Entries Near perceived

Cite this Entry

“Perceived.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceived. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!