French Conversation · Level 96
60 words
French word
apercevoir
Pronunciation
IPA/apɛʁsəvwaʁ/
Meaning
- verbcatch sight of
Example
J'aperçois mon voisin dans la rue.
I catch sight of my neighbor in the street.
More examples
Tu apercevras la différence tout de suite.
You will notice the difference right away.
Core concept
A quick visual catch that can become conscious recognition when the verb is reflexive.
Common phrases
apercevoir la différence
notice the difference
apercevoir un mouvement
spot a movement
apercevoir au coin de la rue
spot ___ at the street corner
Similar words
voir: See something clearly and confirm its presence or shape.
remarquer: Notice something by paying close attention to it.
reconnaître: Recognize someone or something seen before.
croiser: Meet or pass someone on a road or in a place.
Definition in French
Percevoir brièvement par la vue; en forme pronominale (s'apercevoir), prendre conscience de quelque chose.
Word origin
Apercevoir comes through Old French aperceivre from Latin apercipere, with a- added to the form related to percevoir.
Usage tips
- Apercevoir takes a direct object, while s'apercevoir takes de before a noun or que before a clause.