noun B1 Intermediate Common

reception

rih-SEHP-shn

Reception (noun) means a formal social event, often to welcome or honor someone. Example: “They held a wedding reception at the hotel ballroom.”

noun

A formal social event, often to welcome or honor someone.

"They held a wedding reception at the hotel ballroom."

The desk or area where visitors are greeted in a business or hotel.

"Please check in at reception when you arrive."

The quality of a received broadcast signal.

"Cell phone reception is poor in the mountains."

The way something is responded to or welcomed by others.

"The album got a mixed reception from critics."

How to Use Reception

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA welcome event, a front desk, a signal, or how something is received/reviewed.

UK vs US

In UK schools, "Reception" is also the name for the first year of primary school, before Year 1.

Common pairings

wedding reception poor reception a warm reception

Word Forms

receptions plural

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They held a wedding _____ at the hotel ballroom.

Etymology

From Latin receptio ("act of receiving"), from recipio ("receive").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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front desk welcome gathering party function foyer

Related Words

go part group party act office role event

Rhymes for reception

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “reception” mean?

The word “reception” means a formal social event, often to welcome or honor someone. In plain terms, a welcome event, a front desk, a signal, or how something is received/reviewed.

How do you pronounce “reception”?

“Reception” is pronounced rih-SEHP-shn (/ɹɪˈsɛp.ʃn̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “reception” in a sentence?

Here is “reception” used in a sentence: “They held a wedding reception at the hotel ballroom.”

What part of speech is “reception”?

“Reception” is a noun.

Where does the word “reception” come from?

The word “reception” comes from Latin. From Latin receptio ("act of receiving"), from recipio ("receive").

Is “reception” a common word?

“Reception” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “reception” have?

“Reception” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal social event, often to welcome or honor someone.

What is the difference between the two meanings of "reception"?

"Reception" can mean a formal social event held to welcome or honour someone, such as a wedding reception, or it can mean the desk or area where visitors are greeted in a business or hotel. The surrounding context shows which meaning applies.

What is a "wedding reception"?

A wedding reception is a formal social event held after a wedding ceremony to celebrate and honour the couple. It draws on the sense of reception as an event held to welcome or honour someone.

Where is the "reception" in a hotel?

In a hotel, the reception is the desk or area near the entrance where guests are greeted, check in, and ask for assistance. It is usually the first point of contact for visitors.

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