receive Definition

receive
verb, chiefly tr

1. To get, be given or accept (something offered, sent, etc).

Thesaurus: acquire, gain, procure, get, take, come by, collect, gather, reap, earn.
2. To experience, undergo or suffer.

Example: receive injuries
Thesaurus: endure, suffer, undergo, experience, bear, sustain.
3. To give attention to or consider something.

Example: receive a petition
4. To learn of or be informed of something.

Example: receive word of their arrival
5. To react to something in a specified way.

Example: The film was badly received
6. To admit or accept (an idea, principle, etc) as true.
7. To be awarded (an honour, etc).

Example: receive the OBE
8. To support or bear the weight of something.
tr & intr
9. To be at home to (guests or visitors).
10. To welcome or greet (guests), especially formally.

Example: They were received in the vestibule
Thesaurus: welcome, greet, accommodate, entertain, host, usher in, shelter.
11. To permit someone to become part of a particular body or group, or to take up a certain position.

Example: be received into the priesthood
tr & intr
12. tennis.badminton.
To be the player who returns (the opposing player's service).
tr & intr
13. Christianity.
To participate in communion.
(chiefly Brit)
tr & intr
14. To buy or deal in (goods one knows are stolen).
15. To change (radio or television signals) into sounds or pictures.

Derivative: receivability
noun

Derivative: receivable
adj

Derivative: received
adj

Generally accepted.
Example: received wisdom

Derivative: receiving
noun, adj

Etymology: 13c: from French receivre, from Latin recipere, from + capere to take.