receive

verb

re·​ceive ri-ˈsēv 

received; receiving

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

3

a

: to permit to enter : admit

b

: welcome, greet

c

: to react to in a specified manner

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

Synonyms

• admit
• enter
• take

Example Sentences

… 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

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

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.

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Recent Examples on the Web

Jackson and Neil Martin won top network television series for their main theme for NCIS, while John Sereda received top cable television series for his music in the historical drama When Calls the Heart. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 17 May 2023

Uber requires drivers to pass a background check on an annual basis and receives alerts that flag DMV and criminal record updates. —Bloomberg Wire, Dallas News, 17 May 2023

Several senators have expressed their disapproval of Republican demands to impose tougher work requirements to receive federal benefits. —Samantha-jo Roth, Washington Examiner, 17 May 2023

One of the awardees is BP, which is receiving $33.4 million for two sites along the Gulf Coast in Texas. —Drew Costley, Fortune, 17 May 2023

The life sentence became automatic after a jury deadlocked on whether Saipov should receive the death penalty. —Reuters, NBC News, 17 May 2023

The Holliston School Committee Chair Catherine Savard said in a statement on Tuesday that the committee received the document from the union about the no confidence vote and plan to discus the matter during the next meeting on Thursday. —Adria Watson, BostonGlobe.com, 17 May 2023

Scripps, Van Gorder said, has continued to receive trauma cases due to falls from the 30-foot border walls. —Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2023

The event received heavy criticism, including internally, for giving the 2024 presidential hopeful a platform to spread lies, which were widely anticipated. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French receivre, from Latin recipere, from re- + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

receive

verb

re·​ceive ri-ˈsēv 

received; receiving

1

: to take or get something that is given, paid, or sent

receive the money

receive a letter

2

: to welcome on arrival : greet

receive friends

3

: to hold a reception

receive from four to six o'clock

4

: experience entry 2

receive a shock

5

: to change incoming radio waves into sounds or pictures

Etymology

Middle English receiven "to gain possession of," from early French receivre (same meaning), from Latin recipere "receive, take back," from re- "back, again" and capere "to take" — related to accept, capture