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Receptionist: meaning, definitions and examples

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receptionist

 

[ rɪˈsɛpʃənɪst ]

Noun
Works and jobs
Context #1 | Noun

at a hotel

A person employed in an office or hotel to receive and greet clients or guests.

Synonyms

front desk clerk, front office staff, reception clerk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
receptionist

Used in general settings to describe someone who greets visitors, answers the phone, and performs basic administrative tasks.

  • The receptionist greeted us warmly as we entered the office.
  • Please hand your documents to the receptionist.
front desk clerk

Often refers to personnel in the hospitality industry, such as in hotels, who check in guests, provide information, and manage bookings.

  • The front desk clerk was very helpful in getting us a room upgrade.
  • You can ask the front desk clerk for recommendations on nearby restaurants.
reception clerk

An alternative to 'receptionist' often used in more formal contexts, typically in office or business settings.

  • The reception clerk will assist you with signing in.
  • She has worked as a reception clerk for several years.
front office staff

A more general term for employees working at the front desk or reception area, applicable in various industries including hotels, clinics, and corporate offices.

  • All inquiries should be directed to the front office staff.
  • The front office staff were very professional and efficient.

Examples of usage

  • The receptionist greeted the guests with a warm smile.
  • The receptionist answered the phone and directed the call to the appropriate department.
Context #2 | Noun

medical office

A person who greets patients, schedules appointments, and assists with administrative tasks in a medical setting.

Synonyms

clinic receptionist, front desk staff, medical office assistant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
receptionist

This is a repeat of the first entry.

  • Reusing the same word resulted in duplication.
front desk staff

This term encompasses all employees who work at the front desk, which could include receptionists as well as other administrative staff. This can be used in various types of businesses, including hotels, offices, and clinics.

  • The front desk staff will assist you with your check-in.
  • The front desk staff can answer any questions you have about your appointment.
clinic receptionist

This term is more specific to a receptionist working in a medical clinic. They deal with patient appointment scheduling, checking patients in and out, and handling medical records.

  • Please check in with the clinic receptionist when you arrive.
  • The clinic receptionist will give you the necessary forms to fill out.
medical office assistant

This term is specific to the medical field and refers to someone who provides administrative support in a medical office. Their duties can include handling patient records, scheduling appointments, and supporting the healthcare staff.

  • The medical office assistant will call you with your test results.
  • Speak to the medical office assistant to reschedule your appointment.

Examples of usage

  • The receptionist at the doctor's office helped the patients fill out their forms.
  • The receptionist informed the patients about the new clinic policies.

Translations

Translations of the word "receptionist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recepcionista

🇮🇳 रिसेप्शनिस्ट

🇩🇪 Empfangsperson

🇮🇩 resepsionis

🇺🇦 реєстратор

🇵🇱 recepcjonista

🇯🇵 受付係 (うけつけがかり)

🇫🇷 réceptionniste

🇪🇸 recepcionista

🇹🇷 resepsiyonist

🇰🇷 접수원 (jeobsuwon)

🇸🇦 موظف استقبال (muwazzaf istiqbal)

🇨🇿 recepční

🇸🇰 recepčný

🇨🇳 接待员 (jiēdàiyuán)

🇸🇮 recepcionar

🇮🇸 móttökustarfsmaður

🇰🇿 рецепционист

🇬🇪 რეცეფციონისტი (recepctsionisti)

🇦🇿 resepsiyonist

🇲🇽 recepcionista

Etymology

The term 'receptionist' originated in the early 20th century from the word 'reception,' meaning the action of receiving someone or something. Receptionists have been an essential part of various industries, providing customer service and administrative support. Over the years, the role of a receptionist has evolved to encompass a range of duties beyond just greeting visitors, including handling phone calls, scheduling appointments, and managing office tasks.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,716, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.