Receive Meaning and Definition
Receive
Pronunciation
/rɪˈsiːv/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To receive means to accept, take in, or get something, often in the form of information, goods, or services.
Examples
1. “She received an email from her boss with the meeting details.”
2. “The package should arrive at your doorstep in a few days, and you will receive a confirmation email once it ships.”
Synonyms
1. Acquire
2. Get
3. Obtain
Antonyms
1. Give up
2. Refuse
3. Reject
Additional Information
Receive is a fundamental concept in various fields, including business, communication, and service industries. It involves the act of getting something from another person, organization, or system. In a broader sense, receive can also refer to the act of accepting or acknowledging something, such as a message, a gift, or a compliment. The word receive is often used in formal and informal contexts, and its meaning can vary depending on the situation. For instance, in a business setting, receiving an order means accepting the customer’s request, while in a social scenario, receiving a compliment means acknowledging the other person’s kind words.
Receive can also be used to describe the act of getting medical treatment or services, such as receiving a diagnosis or treatment from a healthcare professional. In this context, receive is often used in conjunction with words like “prescribing” or “administering.” In addition, the word receive is used in various idiomatic expressions, such as “receive with open arms” or “receive a warm welcome.” These expressions convey the idea of being receptive and welcoming to someone or something.
The word receive has a rich history, dating back to the 15th century when it was first used in Middle English. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various meanings and contexts, including its current use as a versatile verb and noun. In modern language, receive is a common word used in everyday communication, and its various forms, such as “receipt” and “receiver,” continue to play important roles in our language.
Etymology
The word “receive” originated from the Old French verb “receevre,” which is derived from the Latin “recipere,” meaning “to take again” or “to get back.” This Latin root is also the source of other English words like “receptacle” and “recovery.”
Usage Notes
The word “receive” is a versatile verb that can be used in a variety of contexts, including:
1. Everyday communication: “I received a message from my friend.” or “She received an email from her boss.”
2. Formal and business settings: “We received your order and will ship it within 24 hours.” or “The company received a major award for its innovation.”
3. Formal invitations and acknowledgments: “You are cordially invited to receive an award at our annual gala.” or “We received a letter of congratulations from the mayor.”
Cultural References
The word “receive” has been featured in various forms of media, including:
1. Literature: “To receive a telegram was a big deal in those days” (J.K. Rowling, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”).
2. Music: “Receive Your Love” is a song by the band Narada Michael Walden.
3. Film: “Receive with Open Arms” is a phrase used in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Receive is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as:
1. “Receive with open arms” means to welcome someone or something warmly and enthusiastically.
2. “Receive a cold shoulder” means to be met with indifference or coolness.
3. “Receive a warm welcome” means to be greeted with friendly and hospitable treatment.
Related Words or Phrases
Receive is related to words and phrases like:
1. Accept
2. Get
3. Obtain
4. Welcome
5. Acknowledge
Collocations
Receive is often collocated with words and phrases like:
1. Message
2. Email
3. Package
4. Award
5. Recognition
Frequency of Use
The word “receive” is a common verb in modern language, used in both formal and informal contexts. According to various sources, including the Corpus of Contemporary American English, “receive” is one of the top 1000 most frequently used words in English.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “receive” include:
1. Recieve
2. Recieveable
3. Rivieve