Is there a SINGLE verb/phrasal verb that can describe all 5 senses at once (feel, smell, taste, sound & sight), or at least 2 of them (I need smell & sound)? An example: He (the verb I'm looking for) the delicious smell of dinner & the cheerful conversation of his family members.
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To experience? Can you provide the sentence where you would use this word so that we know what you’re looking for?– Laurel ♦Commented Apr 5, 2020 at 15:15
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Smell and sound are not related... Can you elaborate on what you mean? Please also provide an example sentence.– R MacCommented Apr 5, 2020 at 15:15
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5Uh, how about "sense" -- "He sensed the presence of another person."– Hot LicksCommented Apr 5, 2020 at 15:43
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1No, there isn't, but there are a number of metaphors (suggested here and there) that can be pressed into use to refer to unspecified sensation.– John LawlerCommented Apr 5, 2020 at 16:49
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He was aware of ...– JimCommented Apr 6, 2020 at 6:59
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4 Answers
Perceive works:
He perceived the delicious smell of dinner and the cheerful conversation of his family members.
perceive verb 2 : to become aware of through the senses
Source: Merriam-Webster
Other verbs that could work, depending on the context:
sensed, experienced, noticed, noted, identified, recognized, appreciated . . .
As a matter of style, I would instead try a prepositional phrase:
He was immersed in the delicious aroma of dinner and the cheerful conversation of his family members.
Also, depending on context:
surrounded by (passive), enveloped in, overwhelmed by (passive), lost in . . .
answered Apr 5, 2020 at 16:49
Take in
to receive into the mind : perceive
[source]
Also: sense or perceive, but these give a more detached tone than you're probably looking for in your example.
answered Apr 5, 2020 at 16:45
I like detect:
[Merriam-Webster]
2 : to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
// detect alcohol in the blood
// Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?
So:
He detected the delicious smell of dinner and the cheerful conversation of his family members.
Noticed is an alternative. Both sound more casual than to me than similar words. In such a sentence (unless it's a robot doing the sensing), I would prefer a less clinical word.
And for something other than a single word, you could use became aware of.
answered Apr 15, 2020 at 22:20
OP sentence: He relished the delicious smell of dinner & the cheerful conversation of his family members.
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/relish
...The verb relish means to enjoy something immensely. You may relish eating the relish on your hotdog, or you may relish taking an afternoon nap.
relish 1. nv vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
Anything But Civil By Anna Loan-Wilsey
"I'm intrigued by your new book and would relish some stimulating conversation.” Sir Arthur's eyes lit up. I could see why they had continued their friendship."
