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

Examples of receive in a Sentence

… 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.

Recent Examples on the Web

This same study highlighted how this is money left on the table, as 66% of those who negotiated their salary received an increase. —Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Greenfield police and fire departments responded to the store at 4225 S. 108th St. around 11 a.m. after receiving calls about a vehicle that had struck the front of the building. —Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025

Homes are selling close to list price, with sellers receiving 98.6% on average. —Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025

Following the victory, the prince and young princess took to the field to congratulate the team and received championship medals of their own. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 28 July 2025

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

Rhymes for receive

• achieve
• believe
• conceive
• deceive
• naive
• perceive
• relieve
• reprieve
• retrieve
• breve
• cleave
• cleeve

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