received standard
C1Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The standard form of a language, especially British English, that is considered correct and proper, historically associated with education and broadcasting.
Any widely accepted and authoritative standard within a particular field or domain, often used metaphorically to denote the conventional or orthodox way of doing something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is strongly associated with 'Received Pronunciation' (RP) in British English. It implies a form that has been 'received' or accepted by society as correct, often carrying connotations of prestige, education, and social class. In extended use, it refers to any established norm.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'Received Standard' is a well-established historical and sociolinguistic term, primarily linked to 'Received Pronunciation'. In American English, the term is less common and more likely to be used in its extended, metaphorical sense or in academic discussions of language standards.
Connotations
UK: Strong historical and class-based connotations (often linked to 'BBC English' or 'the Queen's English'). US: More neutral, technical, or academic connotations when used.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English discourse. In US English, phrases like 'standard English', 'General American', or simply 'the standard' are more common for describing language norms.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the received standard of [NOUN PHRASE]deviate from the received standardestablish something as the received standardVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The received standard is that...”
- “become the received standard”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'Their safety protocol is the received standard in the industry.'
Academic
Common in linguistics, sociology, and history: 'The paper examines the social implications of Received Standard English in the 20th century.'
Everyday
Very rare. A non-specialist is more likely to say 'proper English' or 'the standard way'.
Technical
Core usage in phonetics and sociolinguistics to describe a specific prestige accent and its associated linguistic features.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The accent was received as standard by the national broadcaster.
- Her pronunciation was not received as standard by the panel.
American English
- The methodology was received as standard within the scientific community.
- His proposal was not received as standard practice.
adverb
British English
- She does not speak received-standardly.
- (This adverbial form is extremely rare and awkward.)
American English
- The software is not received-standardly configured.
- (This adverbial form is virtually non-existent.)
adjective
British English
- He spoke with a received-standard accent.
- The received-standard form is taught in many schools.
American English
- They followed the received-standard procedure.
- This is the received-standard interpretation of the data.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the past, BBC newsreaders used Received Standard English.
- Many grammar books teach the received standard.
- The concept of a 'received standard' has been criticised for reinforcing social divisions.
- Linguists debate whether a single received standard is desirable for a global language.
- Her thesis deconstructs the ideological underpinnings of Received Standard English in colonial education systems.
- The received standard in mid-20th century biochemistry has been completely overturned by recent discoveries.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a king RECEIVING a golden STANDARD (flag) from his people – it's the officially accepted symbol.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A TOOL (a standardised tool for communication); CORRECTNESS IS STRAIGHTNESS (deviating from the standard is 'crooked' speech).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'полученный стандарт'. It is a fixed term. Use 'нормативный стандарт', 'литературная норма' or 'принятый стандарт'.
- Do not confuse with 'generally received' which translates as 'общепринятый'. 'Received Standard' is a specific compound noun.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'widely received' (e.g., 'a well-received standard').
- Capitalising it incorrectly (only capitalise as part of a proper name like 'Received Standard English').
- Using it in informal contexts where it sounds overly technical.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Received Standard' MOST likely to be used precisely?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely linked but not identical. 'Received Pronunciation' (RP) specifically refers to the accent. 'Received Standard English' encompasses the entire standardised form of the language—its grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation (typically RP).
The focus has shifted. While clear communication and standard grammar are taught, there is much greater acceptance of regional accents and dialects in education and public life today compared to 50 years ago.
Yes, metaphorically. It can refer to any established, authoritative norm in a field, e.g., 'The double-blind trial is the received standard in medical research.'
The term comes from the old sense of 'receive' meaning 'to accept as authoritative or true'. It signifies a form that has been socially accepted and approved by influential institutions.