percipient etymology

Etymology

The word "percipient" is derived from the Latin word "percipiens," which means "to perceive." It is a present active participle of the verb "percipere," meaning "to take hold of or receive."

Meaning

The word "percipient" means:

  • Having the ability to perceive or understand something
  • Quick to perceive or notice things
  • Discerning or insightful

Origin

The concept of perception has been explored by philosophers and scientists throughout history. The ancient Greek philosopher Plato believed that perception was a process of receiving knowledge through the senses, which led to ideas and concepts. Aristotle, another ancient Greek philosopher, proposed that perception was an active process involving both sensory input and mental interpretation.

In the 17th century, the English philosopher John Locke distinguished between primary and secondary qualities of objects. Primary qualities, such as size, shape, and motion, can be objectively perceived by the senses. Secondary qualities, such as color, taste, and smell, are subjective experiences that depend on the individual's perception.

The word "percipient" emerged in the English language in the 17th century, influenced by these philosophical and scientific ideas about perception. It was initially used to describe beings capable of perceiving and understanding the world around them, including humans and animals. Over time, its meaning extended to refer to individuals who are particularly perceptive or insightful.

percipient relate terms

  • perceive

    Etymology Latin percipere to take hold of lay hold of Proto Indo European per

  • percipience

    Etymology Latin percipiens present participle of percipere to perceive per through

  • percipient

    Etymology The word percipient is derived from the Latin word percipiens which means

  • clear

    Etymology Originates from Latin clarus meaning bright clear or shining Mea

  • protest

    Etymology The word protest comes from the Late Latin word protestari meaning to bea

  • auditor

    Etymology The word auditor originates from the Latin word audītor meaning listener

  • individual

    Etymology from Latin individuum an individual thing or being from in not

  • mortal

    Etymology Latin mortalis meaning subject to death Proto Indo European mrtós mea

  • informant

    Etymology Informant derives from the Latin word informare meaning to give form or sh

  • spectator

    Etymology Old French spectateur noun Latin spectator noun Meaning A person w

  • somebody

    Etymology Some indefinite pronoun Middle English sum or som from Old English

  • review

    Etymology The word review derives from the Old French word reveue which in turn come

  • looker

    Etymology The word looker has its origins in the Old English word locian which mean