receive
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.re·ceive
verb \ri-ˈsēv\re·ceivedre·ceiv·ing
Definition of RECEIVE
transitive verb
1
: to come into possession of : acquire <receive a gift>
2
a : to act as a receptacle or container for <the cistern receives water from the roof> b : to assimilate through the mind or senses <receive new ideas>
4
: to accept as authoritative, true, or accurate : believe
5
a : to support the weight or pressure of : bear b : to take (a mark or impression) from the weight of something <some clay receives clear impressions> c : acquire, experience <received his early schooling at home> d : to suffer the hurt or injury of <received a broken nose>
intransitive verb
1
: to be a recipient
2
: to be at home to visitors <receives on Tuesdays>
3
: to convert incoming radio waves into perceptible signals
4
: to prepare to take possession of the ball from a kick in football
See Examples of RECEIVE
- You will be charged a late fee if the electric company does not receive your payment on time.
- I received a letter from her yesterday.
- You will receive a discount if you spend over $100.
- She received the news of his death with remarkable calmness.
- George, white-gloved, with a gardenia in his buttonhole, stood with his mother and the Major, embowered in the big red and gold drawing room downstairs, to “receive” the guests; and, standing thus together, the trio offered a picturesque example of good looks persistent through three generations. —Booth Tarkington, The Magnificent Ambersons, 1918
- From this time the astronomer was received into familiar friendship, and partook of all their projects and pleasures: his respect kept him attentive, and the activity of Rasselas did not leave much time unengaged. —Samuel Johnson, Rasselas, 1759
- … his stark and devastating description of Vichy collaborationism (which he based on German and American archives) was rather badly received in France … —Stanley Hoffmann, New York Times Book Review, 1 Nov. 1981
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Origin of RECEIVE
Middle English, from Anglo-French receivre, from Latin recipere, from re- + capere to take — more at heave
First Known Use: 14th century
Rhymes with RECEIVE
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