receive
High (B1)Neutral to formal (depends on context)
Definition
Meaning
To be given, presented with, or paid something; to come into possession or acceptance of something.
To experience, undergo, or be subjected to something (e.g., an injury, treatment, a reaction). To formally welcome or greet a guest. To detect or pick up a broadcast signal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a passive role, where the subject is the beneficiary or target of an action initiated by another.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is the same (unlike 'perceive' vs. 'perceive').
Connotations
Slightly more formal in everyday American speech, where 'get' is more common. In UK English, 'receive' is standard in formal contexts like official communications.
Frequency
More frequent in written and formal contexts in both varieties. The synonym 'get' is more common in spoken, informal English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + receive + [Direct Object] (e.g., She received a parcel.)[Subject] + receive + [Direct Object] + from + [Source] (e.g., He received advice from his mentor.)[Subject] + receive + [Direct Object] + with + [Manner] (e.g., They received the news with joy.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Receive with open arms”
- “On the receiving end (of something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for formal transactions and communications: 'The invoice must be received by the 30th.' 'We received the client's proposal.'
Academic
Common in passive voice to describe the reception of ideas: 'His theory was poorly received by peers.'
Everyday
For common acquisitions: 'Did you receive my text?' 'I received a lovely present.'
Technical
In computing/telecoms: 'The server failed to receive the data packet.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I haven't received the cheque yet.
- The Prime Minister will receive the delegation at Downing Street.
- He received a minor injury during the match.
American English
- We received the package this morning.
- She received her diploma in the mail.
- The station receives a clear signal.
adjective
British English
- 'Received Pronunciation' is an accent, not a dialect.
- It is a received truth in the industry.
American English
- The received wisdom on the topic is outdated.
- He spoke in a received accent.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I received a birthday card from my grandma.
- Did you receive my email?
- You will receive confirmation within two days.
- He received excellent service at the hotel.
- The committee received hundreds of applications for the grant.
- She received a standing ovation for her performance.
- The pioneering research was coolly received by the conservative establishment.
- Having received numerous complaints, the council reviewed its policy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"I before E except after C" – reCEIve. Think of the C catching the EI.
Conceptual Metaphor
RECEIVING IS ACCEPTING (an object, idea, or experience into one's personal sphere).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overusing 'receive' for every instance of 'получать'. In informal spoken English, 'get' is often more natural (e.g., 'I got a letter' vs. 'I received a letter').
- Do not confuse with 'achieve' (добиваться). 'Receive' is passive; 'achieve' is active.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'recieve' (incorrect).
- Using without an object: 'I received yesterday.' (Incorrect; must specify *what* was received).
- Confusing 'receive' (to get) with 'perceive' (to notice or interpret).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'receive' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, typically. It describes a state of having gotten something. We don't usually use it in continuous forms (e.g., 'I am receiving a letter' sounds odd unless describing the ongoing process in a specific context like IT).
'Receive' is about physically or formally getting something. 'Accept' involves agreeing to take it or believing it is true. You can receive a gift but not accept it (by refusing it). You can receive bad news and accept it (come to terms with it).
It is standard in written and formal spoken English. In casual conversation, especially in American English, 'get' is often preferred (e.g., 'Did you get my message?').
Yes, but it often implies a formal or official capacity. E.g., 'The ambassador received the diplomats.' In everyday contexts, we might say 'meet' or 'greet' instead.
Collections
Part of a collection
Technology Basics
A2 · 48 words · Everyday technology and digital devices.