receptive

adjective

re·​cep·​tive ri-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce receptive (audio)
1
: able or inclined to receive
especially : open and responsive to ideas, impressions, or suggestions
2
a
of a sensory end organ : fit to receive and transmit stimuli
b
3
of a female animal : willing to copulate with a male
a receptive mare
receptively adverb
receptiveness noun
receptivity noun

Examples of receptive in a Sentence

I was happy to be speaking before such a receptive audience. needed a partner who was receptive to new ways of managing the business
Recent Examples on the Web There is a concept in biology of a ‘critical period,’ when an organism’s nervous system is particularly receptive to learning specific skills or traits. Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 According to Crawford, however, Zaidi wasn’t receptive to the idea. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 And perhaps this argument finds a receptive audience in segments of the United States concerned about its own decline. Dan Murphy, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024 Even though there needs to be more aid, even though there needs to be fewer civilian casualties, the Israelis have, in many ways, been receptive to our messages. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2024 The Board of Pardons and Paroles, which has historically not been receptive to petitions from convicts, does not inspire much hope in Cantu. Albinson Linares, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2024 These planned pauses are not just escapes but essential components of a sustainable study regimen, ensuring that the mind remains agile and receptive. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024 Interpol has never had a secretary general from outside the United States or Europe, and Mr. Urquiza is finding receptive ears to his promise of being the change candidate. Jane Bradley, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2024 The resulting film, an A24 production launched at Sundance, walks a deft line between the ironic and the honestly receptive: Hardline skeptics will be entertained, others peculiarly affected. Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'receptive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of receptive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near receptive

Cite this Entry

“Receptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

receptive

adjective
re·​cep·​tive ri-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce receptive (audio)
1
: able or willing to receive especially ideas
2
: able to receive and pass on stimuli
the receptive part of the retina
receptively adverb
receptiveness noun
receptivity noun

Medical Definition

receptive

adjective
re·​cep·​tive ri-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce receptive (audio)
1
: open and responsive to ideas, impressions, or suggestions
2
a
of a sensory end organ : fit to receive and transmit stimuli
receptiveness noun
receptivity noun
plural receptivities

More from Merriam-Webster on receptive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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