receive
rih-SEEV
Receive (verb) means to be given, sent, or handed something. Example: “Every guest will receive a small gift when they leave the party.”
verb
1
To be given, sent, or handed something.
"Every guest will receive a small gift when they leave the party."
"She received a package from her sister this morning."
"He received a promotion after five years at the company."
2
To welcome guests or visitors formally.
"The headteacher received the visiting inspectors in her office with tea and biscuits."
"The mayor received the delegation in the town hall's grand reception room."
"The ambassador received foreign dignitaries at the embassy."
3
To pick up a broadcast or transmitted signal.
"Out in the hills, our phones can hardly receive any signal."
"The aerial on the roof helps us receive digital television clearly."
"The old radio could barely receive the local stations."
4
To take goods knowing they were stolen.
"The shopkeeper was arrested for knowingly receiving goods taken from a warehouse."
"It is a crime to receive items you know were stolen."
"He was charged with receiving stolen property."
How to use receive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGetting or being given something, whether an object, a message, guests, or a signal.
Common mistake
Classic spelling trap: it's "i" before "e" except after "c" — receive follows the rule.
Common pairings
receive a gift
receive news
receive guests
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Word forms
- Plural
- receives
- Third person singular
- receives
- Past tense
- received
- Archaic forms
- receivest, receivedst, receiveth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Every guest will _____ a small gift when they leave the party.
Etymology
From Old French receivre and Latin recipere, from re- ("back") plus capio ("to take") — related to conceive, deceive, and perceive.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for receive
See all rhymes for receive →Frequently asked questions
What does “receive” mean?
The word “receive” means to be given, sent, or handed something. In plain terms, getting or being given something, whether an object, a message, guests, or a signal.
How do you pronounce “receive”?
“Receive” is pronounced rih-SEEV (/ɹɪˈsiːv/ in IPA).
How do you use “receive” in a sentence?
Here is “receive” used in a sentence: “She received a package from her sister this morning.”
What is another word for “receive”?
Words with a similar meaning to “receive” include acquire, accept, attain, come by, cop and enlist.
What is the opposite of “receive”?
The opposite of “receive” — its antonyms — are give, lose, sell, get rid of and unacquire.
What part of speech is “receive”?
“Receive” is a verb.
Where does the word “receive” come from?
The word “receive” comes from Latin. From Old French receivre and Latin recipere, from re- ("back") plus capio ("to take") — related to conceive, deceive, and perceive.
Is “receive” a common word?
“Receive” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'receive' and 'accept'?
To receive something is simply to get it — it arrives in your hands. To accept it is to agree to take it and keep it. The difference is choice: you can receive a gift you did not want and then decline to accept it. Receiving is passive; accepting is a deliberate act.
Is it spelled 'receive' or 'recieve'?
'Receive' is the correct spelling. It follows the classic rule 'i before e, except after c' — because the two letters come right after a c, the e goes first: c-e-i-v-e. 'Recieve' is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English, but it is always wrong.
What is the opposite of 'receive'?
The main opposites are 'give' and 'send' — the actions of the other party. If you receive a parcel, someone else sent it; if you receive a gift, someone gave it. 'Donate' and 'hand over' work too, all describing the act of passing something to another rather than getting it.
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