English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj Uncommon

receptive

rih-SEHP-tihv

Receptive (adj) means Open and willing to consider new ideas, suggestions, or feedback. Example: “The manager was receptive to new ideas from junior staff.”

adj
1
Open and willing to consider new ideas, suggestions, or feedback.
"The manager was receptive to new ideas from junior staff."
"Audiences were surprisingly receptive to the experimental film."

How to use receptive

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOpen-minded and willing to take in new ideas or feedback.

Common pairings
receptive audience receptive to feedback a receptive mood

Word forms

more receptive comparative, most receptive superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “receptive” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The manager was _____ to new ideas from junior staff.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin receptivus ("capable of receiving"), ultimately from Latin recipio ("to receive").

Origin: Medieval Latin

Related words

Rhymes for receptive

See all rhymes for receptive →

Frequently asked questions

What does “receptive” mean?

The word “receptive” means open and willing to consider new ideas, suggestions, or feedback. In plain terms, open-minded and willing to take in new ideas or feedback.

How do you pronounce “receptive”?

“Receptive” is pronounced rih-SEHP-tihv (/ɹəˈsɛptɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “receptive” in a sentence?

Here is “receptive” used in a sentence: “The manager was receptive to new ideas from junior staff.”

What part of speech is “receptive”?

“Receptive” is an adjective.

Where does the word “receptive” come from?

The word “receptive” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin receptivus ("capable of receiving"), ultimately from Latin recipio ("to receive").

Is “receptive” a common word?

“Receptive” is an uncommon word in modern English.

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial