Receive
/rɪˈsiːv/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo be given or to get something.
/rɪˈsiːv/
To get or be given something.
I received a package in the mail today.
💡 Simply: Imagine your birthday! You RECEIVE presents! It's like when someone gives you a gift, you get it and are happy about it. For example, you might receive a cookie from your mom.
👶 For kids: To get something like a present or a hug.
More Examples
She received an award for her achievements.
The bank received a large deposit.
How It's Used
"I received a letter from my friend."
"The company received a large order."
To experience or be subjected to something.
/rɪˈsiːv/
To experience or undergo something.
They received a lot of criticism.
💡 Simply: When you RECEIVE a compliment, you hear something nice about yourself. When you RECEIVE a cold, you start to feel sick! It's about going through a certain happening or action.
👶 For kids: To feel or have something happen to you.
More Examples
The city received heavy rainfall.
She received medical care after the accident.
How It's Used
"He received a warm welcome."
"The patient received treatment."
To take or accept something such as a message, signal, or information.
/rɪˈsiːv/
To accept or take in something.
The radio receiver is picking up a signal.
💡 Simply: Imagine your phone. It RECEIVES calls, texts, and messages from others, letting you hear or see the information being sent. The receiver on the phone is receiving sound waves.
👶 For kids: To get information like a message or a sound.
More Examples
Can you receive this message?
The satellite receives data from space.
How It's Used
"The antenna receives radio waves."
"Can you receive my email?"
Synonyms
Accept
Acquire
Gain
Get
Obtain
Endure
Experience
Detect
Intercept
Idioms & expressions
receive someone with open arms
To welcome someone warmly and enthusiastically.
"The community received the new refugees with open arms."
From Middle English receiven, from Old French receveir, from Latin recipere ('to take back, receive'), from re- ('back') + capere ('to take').
The word 'receive' has been used since the 13th century to mean 'to get, to accept.' Initially, it also had the meaning of 'to take back' or 'to take again'.