Reception
/rɪˈsepʃən/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe action or process of receiving something; a way of receiving or greeting someone.
/rɪˈsepʃən/
The act of receiving something or being received.
The reception of the new policy was overwhelmingly positive.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're throwing a party! Reception is how guests are greeted and welcomed, or maybe it's how well you catch the ball in a game. It's about getting something.
👶 For kids: Getting something or being welcomed. Like when you get a present or when the hotel person says hello!
More Examples
The hotel's reception desk is located on the first floor.
Her speech was met with a warm reception.
How It's Used
"The hotel's reception was welcoming."
"The patient showed good reception to the treatment."
A social gathering, typically a formal one, to welcome or celebrate someone or something.
/rɪˈsepʃən/
A formal social gathering to welcome someone or celebrate an event.
The wedding reception was held at the country club.
💡 Simply: Imagine a party! A reception is like a special get-together, maybe after a wedding or to honor someone. It’s where people celebrate and mingle.
👶 For kids: A party to say hello to someone special or celebrate something fun!
More Examples
A reception will be held for the new art exhibit.
They organized a reception to mark the company's anniversary.
How It's Used
"They hosted a reception to honor the retiring professor."
"The wedding reception will be held at the Grand Ballroom."
The manner in which something is received, perceived, or understood; how well something works or is interpreted.
/rɪˈsepʃən/
The manner in which something is received or understood.
The public's reception of the new movie was enthusiastic.
💡 Simply: Think about when you tell a joke: The reception is how well your joke is understood and how much people laugh. It's how something is received or taken.
👶 For kids: How well you understand something or how something is liked. Like, how you understand a story or how you like a present.
More Examples
The teacher was pleased with the students' reception of the new concepts.
The company's marketing campaign had a positive reception.
How It's Used
"The play's reception by the critics was mixed."
"Patients with this condition may have problems with sensory reception."
The quality of the signal that a radio, television, or mobile phone receives.
/rɪˈsepʃən/
The quality of a radio or television signal.
The car's radio has poor reception.
💡 Simply: Imagine your phone or TV: Reception is how well the signal comes in. Good reception means you can watch or hear things clearly.
👶 For kids: How well your radio or TV gets the sound or pictures! Good reception is when it's clear.
More Examples
We had to move the antenna to get better reception.
The reception on the phone is bad in this part of the building.
How It's Used
"The radio has good reception in this area."
"The satellite dish improved the television reception."
Synonyms
Acceptance
Greeting
Celebration
Function
Gathering
Party
Interpretation
Perception
Reaction
Clarity
Quality
Idioms & expressions
bad reception
Poor or weak signal (radio, TV, or mobile phone).
"The phone has bad reception in the mountains."
warm reception
A friendly and enthusiastic welcome.
"The speaker received a warm reception from the audience."
From Latin *receptio* ("a receiving, recovery"), from *recipere* ("to receive"), from *re-* ("back, again") + *capere* ("to take, seize").
The word "reception" has been used since the 15th century, initially referring to the action of receiving something.
Memory tip
Think of the "reception" area where you receive guests or the "reception" of a radio signal.