receiver
HighNeutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
A person or thing that receives something, especially the part of a telephone or communication device that converts signals into sound or data.
The designated person who legally receives property or funds; a device or circuit that accepts signals, transmissions, or electromagnetic waves; in sports, a player whose role is to catch or receive the ball; an official appointed to manage the affairs of a bankrupt company.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core meaning is of something that 'takes in' (signals, goods, a ball). In legal/administrative contexts, it becomes a specific title for an official role (Receiver). It often implies a passive role (as opposed to a 'sender' or 'transmitter'), but in sports contexts, the receiver is an active participant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In law/business, 'receiver' and 'administrative receiver' are common UK terms for an insolvency practitioner appointed by a secured creditor. In the US, 'receiver' is a court-appointed custodian of property. In telephony, 'handset' is common in UK English, while 'receiver' is still standard in US English.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/technical in UK English for telephony; more everyday for telephony in US English. In sports (American football), 'wide receiver' is a standard US position; the term is less common in UK sports.
Frequency
More frequent in US English for the telephone component. The legal term has comparable frequency but different procedural contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
receiver of [something] (e.g., receiver of the message)receiver for [something] (e.g., receiver for the satellite signal)appoint X as receiveract as receiverVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hang up the receiver”
- “put the receiver down”
- “on the receiving end (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The bank appointed a receiver to manage the company's assets during insolvency proceedings.
Academic
The signal-to-noise ratio of the optical receiver was critical for the experiment's success.
Everyday
She picked up the receiver and dialled the number.
Technical
The superheterodyne receiver converts incoming radio frequencies to a fixed intermediate frequency for easier processing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb. The verb is 'receive'.)
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb. The verb is 'receive'.)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable as an adjective. Related adjective is 'receivable'.)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adjective. Related adjective is 'receivable'.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The phone is ringing. Please pick up the receiver.
- He is the receiver of a nice birthday gift.
- The radio receiver wasn't working, so we couldn't hear the news broadcast.
- After the company failed, a receiver was brought in to sell its assets.
- As the appointed receiver, her first duty was to secure the company's remaining funds.
- Modern satellite receivers can decode hundreds of channels simultaneously.
- The wide receiver executed a perfect curl route, creating separation from the defender just as the ball arrived.
- The sensitivity of the quantum-limited receiver set a new benchmark for deep-space communication.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-CEIVE-R. It's the thing/person that does the RE-CEIVE-ing.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RECEIVER IS A CONTAINER (for signals, money, property). A RECEIVER IS A TARGET (in sports).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'приёмник' in all contexts. For a phone, 'трубка' is more accurate. For a legal receiver, use 'ликвидатор' or 'административный управляющий'.
- Avoid direct translation for 'wide receiver' in American football; it's a fixed term.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'receiver' for a TV set (use 'TV' or 'television').
- Confusing 'receiver' (device/person) with 'receipt' (piece of paper).
Practice
Quiz
In a British legal context, what is the primary role of a 'receiver'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While a common use, 'receiver' applies to any device that accepts signals (radio, TV, GPS), a person who receives something, and a specific legal/business role.
'Recipient' is more general for a person/entity getting something (award, email, package). 'Receiver' is more specific to roles/technology (legal office, telecoms device, sports position).
A receiver (like a wide receiver or tight end) is an offensive player whose primary role is to run pass routes and catch forward passes from the quarterback.
No. The noun 'receiver' comes from the verb 'to receive'. You cannot 'receiver' something; you *receive* it.