I don’t understand when to use apercevoir instead of voir

Question

I have a test tomorrow on voir, apercevoir and s’apercevoir.  I know the conjugations, but I cannot discern the difference between the use of apercevoir verses voir

Ron Thomas · Accepted Answer

Bonsoir Carolyne,
So let's take a look at the Larousse dictionary :
voir --> obviously is to see qqch
apercevoir --> see someone, qqch remotely, notice the smallness of qqch, to perceive through obscurity: J'ai cru l'apercevoir hier dans le métro.
s'apercevoir --> Be aware of something, realize: everyone realized his anxiety.
Be seen: the stain can barely be seen

Chris Wirt · Answer

apercevoir is more like "to perceive" something with which it also shares a common etymological root.

-- Chris.