recipient
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A person or thing that receives something.
The designated party who accepts or is intended to accept a transfer, award, communication, or the object of an action.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun; 'recipient' implies a passive role of receiving, but the received item can be tangible (a gift, letter) or intangible (an honour, information).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The verb 'to recipient' is extremely rare and not standard in either variety.
Connotations
Neutral in both; slightly formal.
Frequency
Equally common in formal and semi-formal contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
recipient of [something]recipient [verb]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with 'recipient' as the headword]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The recipient of the invoice must pay within 30 days.
Academic
The study identified the neural pathways activated in the recipient during empathy.
Everyday
Make sure you have the correct address for the recipient before posting the parcel.
Technical
The organ recipient must take immunosuppressants for life.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [The verb 'to recipient' is obsolete and not used.]
American English
- [The verb 'to recipient' is obsolete and not used.]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form.]
American English
- [No adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form.]
American English
- [No standard adjective form.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She was the happy recipient of a birthday card.
- Who is the recipient of this email?
- The recipient must sign for the package upon delivery.
- All grant recipients are required to submit a report.
- The intended recipient had moved, so the letter was returned.
- As the recipient of the award, she gave a short speech of thanks.
- The policy changes will affect millions of benefit recipients nationwide.
- The poem explores the complex relationship between the artist and the recipient of the art.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'recipe' (a list to receive ingredients) + 'ent' (a person). The recipient is the person who receives the recipe's result.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER (The recipient is a container for what is received).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'реципиент' (recepient), which is a highly formal, often biological/medical term (e.g., blood/organ recipient). Use 'получатель' (poluchatel) for general contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'receiver' interchangeably in all contexts (a 'receiver' is for phones/radios; 'recipient' is broader). Confusing 'recipient' with 'sender'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'recipient' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while often used for people, it can apply to entities like companies, countries (e.g., 'recipient of aid'), or even software (e.g., 'email recipient').
'Recipient' is broader and more formal, used for gifts, awards, communications. 'Receiver' often refers to a device (phone, radio) or, in sports, a player who catches the ball. In law/formal contexts, 'receiver' can be a person appointed to manage a company's assets.
No, the verb 'to recipient' is archaic and not used in modern English. Use 'receive' instead.
No standard adjective form exists. Use phrases like 'receiving end' (e.g., 'He was on the receiving end of the criticism').
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