perceived

adjective

per·ceived pər-ˈsēvd

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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Perceived.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceived. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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