percibir
Lemma Details
Translation: to perceive; to notice; to detect; to receive; to collect; to earn
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'percipere', which combines 'per-' (thoroughly) and 'capere' (to take, to grasp). The English cognate 'perceive' shares this Latin root. The dual meaning of both sensory perception and receiving payment reflects the original sense of 'thoroughly grasping' something, whether information through the senses or tangible compensation.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Percibo un olor extraño en la cocina.
I perceive a strange smell in the kitchen.
Él percibe un buen sueldo en su nuevo trabajo.
He earns a good salary at his new job.
No percibí ningún cambio en su actitud.
I didn't notice any change in his attitude.
Los jubilados perciben una pensión mensual.
Retirees receive a monthly pension.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'perceive' in English, which shares the same root and similar meaning.
- For the financial meaning, imagine 'per-receive' - thoroughly receiving your payment.
- The 'cib' in 'percibir' can remind you of 'recibir' (to receive), highlighting the connection between perception and reception.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish bureaucratic and employment contexts, 'percibir' is commonly used to refer to receiving a salary or benefits, which might be less intuitive for English speakers who primarily associate the cognate 'perceive' with sensory or mental awareness.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both can mean 'to receive', 'percibir' often implies sensory or cognitive reception, or specifically receiving payment, while 'recibir' is more general for receiving anything.
Notes: In financial contexts, 'percibir' is more formal and official than 'recibir' when referring to salaries and payments.
Mnemonic: 'Percibir' starts with 'per-' (thoroughly) suggesting deeper reception like perception or earnings, while 'recibir' is for more straightforward receiving.
Explanation: 'Percibir' means to perceive or receive, while 'concebir' means to conceive (an idea) or to conceive (become pregnant).
Confused word:
No puedo concebir cómo resolvieron ese problema.
I can't conceive how they solved that problem.
Notes: Both verbs involve mental processes but in different ways: perception versus conception.
Mnemonic: 'Percibir' has 'per-' (thoroughly) + 'capere' (to take), while 'concebir' has 'con-' (together) + 'capere', suggesting bringing ideas together.