What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
know
Example
I know how to swim. [know: verb]
Example
Do you know John? [know: verb]
Example
She has a deep knowledge of history. [knowledge: noun]
perceive
Example
I perceive a hint of sarcasm in his tone. [perceive: verb]
Example
The audience perceived the play as a tragedy. [perceived: past tense]
Example
Her perception of the world changed after traveling to different countries. [perception: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Know is more commonly used than perceive in everyday language. Know is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while perceive is less common and more formal, often used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between know and perceive?
Perceive is more formal than know and is often used in academic or professional settings. Know is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
