receive
gb/ɹɪsˈiv/ us/ɹɪsˈiv/
A2
English
~ 500
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Get or accept something sent or given
To get something that someone gives or sends to you.
Usage pattern:
to receive [something] from [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'receive' with 'accept'; 'receive' is about getting something, while 'accept' is about agreeing to take it.
Synonyms
get (More informal and common in everyday speech.)
|
accept (Emphasizes agreeing to take what is offered.)
Antonyms
give (Opposite action of handing something over to someone else.)
Collocations
receive a gift
|receive a letter
|receive payment
|receive an award
|receive information
Themes
daily life
|communication
|business
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I received a package from my friend yesterday.
- She was happy to receive the award for best actress.
- We received several complaints about the noise.
- You will receive your results by email.
- He received a warm welcome from the crowd.
Learner examples
- I received a letter from my mother.
- She received a gift for her birthday.
- We received the books last week.
- He will receive the money tomorrow.
- They received food from the charity.
Verb
B1
action
2
Experience or be affected by something
To have something happen to you or to feel an effect from something.
Usage pattern:
to receive [treatment/praise/blame/support]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'get' instead of 'receive' in formal contexts; 'receive' is more formal and common in writing.
Synonyms
undergo (Often used for medical or difficult experiences.)
|
experience (General term for going through an event or feeling.)
Antonyms
avoid (To stay away from experiencing something.)
Collocations
receive praise
|receive support
|receive criticism
|receive treatment
|receive training
Themes
emotions
|health
|social
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He received praise for his excellent work.
- The patient received treatment for her injury.
- She received criticism for her remarks.
- They received support from the community.
- I have received training in first aid.
Learner examples
- She received help from her friends.
- He received a lot of love from his family.
- We received training at work.
- I received good advice from my teacher.
- The man received care at the hospital.
Verb
technical
B1
action
3
Pick up and process signals/messages
For a machine or system to get and read signals or messages.
Usage pattern:
to receive [a signal/transmission/call]
Synonyms
pick up (Informal term for detecting a signal.)
|
capture (Technical term often used in data transmission contexts.)
Antonyms
transmit (The opposite action of sending out a signal.)
Collocations
receive a signal
|receive a call
|receive data
Themes
technology
|communication
Examples
- The radio can receive signals from around the world.
- My phone isn't receiving any calls right now.
- The satellite receives data from Earth every hour.
Learner examples
- My phone can receive text messages.
- The TV can receive many channels.
- This machine can receive information from the computer.
Grammar
Dictionary form
receive
IPA
GB/ɹɪsˈiv/
US/ɹɪsˈiv/
Syllables & stress
re - ceive (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ceive)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: receive
- 3rd Person Singular: receives
- Present Participle: receiving
- Past: received
Word family
Expressions
be on the receiving end (of something)
1/bˈi ˈɔn ðə ɹɪsˈivɪŋ ˈɛnd əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
idiom
Be the one affected by something, often bad
To be the person who has something happen to them, usually something unpleasant.
Examples
- She was on the receiving end of some harsh criticism.
- The company has been on the receiving end of several lawsuits.
receive a warm welcome
1/ɹɪsˈiv ə wˈɔɹm wˈɛlkəm/
fixed phrase
Be greeted in a very friendly way
To be met by people who are very happy to see you.
Examples
- The team received a warm welcome when they arrived home.
- He received a warm welcome from his new colleagues.
receive stolen goods
1/ɹɪsˈiv stˈoʊlən ɡˈʊdz/
fixed phrase
legal
Take goods you know are stolen
To take and keep things that you know were stolen, which is against the law.
Examples
- He was arrested for receiving stolen goods.
- Receiving stolen goods is a criminal offense.