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Receive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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receive

[rɪˈsiːv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

communication

to get or accept something that is sent or given to you

Synonyms

accept, acquire, obtain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
receive

This word is repeated and has the same context as the first entry.

  • The team received praise for their hard work.
  • After the match, she received a medal.
obtain

This word is suitable when someone gets something through effort, request, or purchase. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • She obtained her degree from a prestigious university.
  • He managed to obtain a ticket for the concert.
acquire

Use this word when someone gets something through their own effort or actions, often implying a process or achievement. It is commonly used in business or formal contexts.

  • He acquired new skills during the training program.
  • The company acquired a new technology firm.
accept

This word is appropriate when someone willingly takes or agrees to something that is offered. It often implies a choice or decision.

  • He accepted the job offer after careful consideration.
  • She accepted their apology.

Examples of usage

  • I received a letter from my friend yesterday.
  • She received a present for her birthday.
Context #2 | Verb

experience

to experience or be subjected to something

Synonyms

encounter, experience, undergo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
receive

This word is used when you are given something or when something is delivered to you. It is very common in formal and informal communication.

  • I received a letter from my friend.
  • You will receive a confirmation email after signing up.
experience

Use this word when you live through or feel something, often referring to events, emotions, or situations. It can be positive, negative, or neutral.

  • She experienced great joy during her vacation.
  • The team experienced many challenges last year.
undergo

This word is typically used when referring to a person going through a process, often medical or formal, or a significant change. It often has a serious or formal connotation.

  • He had to undergo surgery last week.
  • The company is undergoing restructuring.
encounter

This word is best used when you unexpectedly meet someone or something, especially in various situations. It often carries a neutral or slightly surprising tone.

  • We may encounter problems during the project.
  • I encountered an old friend at the supermarket.

Examples of usage

  • She received a warm welcome at the party.
  • He received a lot of criticism for his actions.
Context #3 | Noun

formal

the fact of getting something

Synonyms

acceptance, acquisition, receiving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
receive

Used when getting something, such as a gift or a message, either physically or electronically.

  • I was happy to receive your letter.
  • She received a promotion at work.
acceptance

Used when agreeing to take something or recognizing something as true, often in a formal or emotional context.

  • Her acceptance into the university was a big moment.
  • He found acceptance in the new community.
acquisition

Commonly used in business or formal settings to refer to the act of obtaining or buying a company, assets, or skills.

  • The acquisition of the company took several months.
  • Language acquisition is key for personal development.
receiving

Present participle of 'receive', used to describe the process of getting something. Can imply ongoing or habitual action.

  • I am receiving many emails every day.
  • She is in the receiving end of a lot of praise.

Examples of usage

  • The receipt of the package was confirmed by email.
  • She signed a document to acknowledge the receipt of the goods.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Communication

  • In conversation, receiving is crucial; it involves listening to others and understanding their message.
  • In nonverbal communication, receiving can be expressed through body language, such as nodding or open posture, indicating acceptance.

Psychology

  • The act of receiving can influence emotional states, as it often involves trust and appreciation between individuals.
  • Receiving compliments or gifts activates positive emotions, enhancing social bonds and personal self-worth.

Literature

  • The theme of receiving often appears in storytelling, where characters must learn to accept help or gifts to grow.
  • Many classic tales emphasize the importance of receiving knowledge, love, or self-acceptance as a path to maturity.

Technology

  • In the tech world, receiving refers to the process of getting data or signals, such as receiving a Wi-Fi signal when connecting to the internet.
  • Email systems operate on the principle of receiving messages, transforming how communication takes place in the digital age.

Origin of 'receive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'recipere', with 're-' meaning 'again' and 'capere' meaning 'to take' or 'to seize'.
  • It evolved through Old French 'receivre' before becoming part of Middle English, reflecting the blend of languages in British history.

The word 'receive' originated from the Old French word 'receivre', which came from the Latin word 'recipere', meaning 'to take back'. The word has evolved over time to its current usage in the English language, where it is commonly used to refer to the act of accepting or experiencing something.

See also: receivable, received, receiver, receivers, receiving, unreceived.

Word Frequency Rank

At #751 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.