LingvoCore.com

receptacle

B2
UK/rɪˈsɛptək(ə)l/US/rəˈsɛptək(ə)l/

Formal / Technical

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A container, device, or space used to receive, hold, or store something.

In botany, the enlarged part of a stem that bears the floral organs. In electrical contexts, a socket or outlet designed to receive a plug or connector.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Often implies a specific function or design for receiving something particular (e.g., waste, electrical current, a plug). In everyday contexts, more common synonyms like 'container' or 'bin' are used.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Usage is largely identical in technical/formal registers. In everyday speech, British English might use 'bin' or 'socket' where American English might use 'trash can' or 'outlet'.

Connotations

In both varieties, the word carries formal or technical connotations. Not typical in casual conversation.

Frequency

Low frequency in general conversation. Higher frequency in technical writing, botany, electrical engineering, and formal descriptions.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
electrical receptaclewaste receptaclegarbage receptacleflower receptacle
medium
metal receptacleplastic receptaclesuitable receptaclestorage receptacle
weak
large receptaclesmall receptacleempty receptaclecovered receptacle

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[receptacle] for [something][adjective] receptacle

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

socket (electrical)outlet (electrical)torus (botany)

Neutral

containerholderrepository

Weak

binvesselrecipient

Vocabulary

Antonyms

sourceoriginemitter

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Used in formal specifications (e.g., 'Please place documents in the designated receptacle').

Academic

Common in botanical descriptions and electrical engineering texts.

Everyday

Rare; used mainly in formal notices (e.g., 'Please use the waste receptacle').

Technical

Precise term for a designed receiving unit (electrical, botanical, waste management).

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • Put the rubbish in the receptacle.
  • The flower grows from the receptacle.
B1
  • Please dispose of your waste in the appropriate receptacle.
  • The electrical receptacle must be installed by a qualified technician.
B2
  • The laboratory requires a sterile receptacle for all biological samples.
  • The novel uses the city as a receptacle for the protagonist's memories and regrets.
C1
  • The legal system should not be used as a mere receptacle for political grievances.
  • The botanical study focused on the morphology of the floral receptacle across different species.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of RECEIVE + ARTICLE → RECEPTACLE: an article (object) that receives things.

Conceptual Metaphor

A RECEPTACLE IS A PASSIVE CONTAINER (metaphor for minds, hearts, or institutions that receive ideas, emotions, or people).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Не переводите как 'рецепт' (recipe/prescription).
  • Может переводиться как 'ёмкость', 'вместилище', 'патрон' (эл.), 'цветоложе' (бот.).

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing with 'reception' or 'receptive'.
  • Misspelling as 'recieptacle' or 'receptical'.
  • Using in casual contexts where 'container' or 'bin' is more natural.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
For safety, ensure the plastic is securely closed before transport.
Multiple Choice

In which context is 'receptacle' LEAST likely to be used?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is formal/technical. In everyday speech, words like 'container', 'bin', or 'socket' are more common.

Yes, in literary or academic contexts, it can metaphorically refer to something that receives abstract entities (e.g., 'a receptacle of knowledge').

'Receptacle' often implies a specific designed function for receiving something, while 'container' is a more general term for anything that holds something.

No, the related verb is 'receive'. 'Receptacle' is only a noun.