These words all mean to become aware of through one of the senses or to apprehend with the mind. Perceive is the most general term, since it has application to all the senses: a master chef who was able to perceive the most subtle seasoning used in any dish; a conductor who could perceive even the slightest variation from true pitch in each instrument. The word is most often used, of course, in reference to the sense of sight: to perceive a car coming towards one. But perceive has definite implications of recognition that are not present in the simple verb to see.

• The object I saw in the distance was too shrouded in fog for me to be able to identify it, but when our car got closer to it I perceived it to be an old windmill.

Perceive denotes mental as well as sensuous observation when it is used to mean to come to understand: to perceive the nuances in different philosophical propositions; to perceive the difficulties inherent in a projected business enterprise.

Descry and espy are sometimes used interchangeably because they both imply a catching sight of something that is partly hidden, in the distance or otherwise difficult to see. But there are differences between the words that should make their usage more precise. Descry suggests careful observation of the distant or obscure; there is more implication of effort and attention in descry than in espy , which hints at a chance, sudden or unexpected discovery.

• A sentinel on the watchtower descried the approach of an enemy patrol; She turned round just in time to espy an old friend disappear in the crowd.

Descry also refers to the kind of discovery that is the property of the mind and not the eyes. In this sense, descry means to understand or come to realize by examination and investigation: to descry the true nature of a complicated crime; to descry the differences between two seemingly similar passages of music.

Make out is a less formal term than the others in this group. It can mean to see, but it is less simple than that verb because of its suggestion of difficulty or effort.

• The room was so dark it was impossible to make anything out .

It can also denote various kinds of mental seeing, as, for example, deciphering or understanding.

• Can you make out the inscription on this old coin?; It was impossible to make out what she was getting at in her lecture.