Receive — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ri-ˈsēv/ re·ceive

Meaning & Definition of Receive

Receive (verb)

  1. to come into possession of, acquire
  2. to act as a receptacle or container for
  3. to assimilate through the mind or senses

Receive (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to offer entrance (as to a place, school, or privilege) to

    "a top law-school grad who was received by the firm with open arms"

    similar: admit, enter, take
    related: entertain, welcome, fellowship, confirm, ratify
    opposite: ban, bar
    near: decline, disallow, disapprove, dismiss, refuse, reject, blackball, blacklist, ostracize, banish, deport, exile, expel, oust, throw out

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Receive

The most common words with a similar meaning to Receive:

admit, enter, take

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Receive

Words with the opposite meaning of Receive:

ban, bar

Related Words for Receive

entertain, welcome, fellowship, confirm, ratify

Near Antonyms of Receive

decline, disallow, disapprove, dismiss, refuse, reject, blackball, blacklist, ostracize, banish, deport, exile, expel, oust, throw out

Word Forms of Receive

Inflections: received, receiving

Origin & Etymology of Receive

Middle English, from Anglo-French receivre, from Latin recipere, from re- + capere to take heave:1

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Receive

Frequently Asked Questions about Receive

What does "Receive" mean?

"Receive" means to come into possession of, acquire. As a verb, it is defined as: to come into possession of, acquire.

What is another word for "Receive"?

Other words for "Receive" include admit, enter and take. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Receive" you intend.

What is the opposite of "Receive"?

Antonyms of "Receive" include ban and bar. Near antonyms include decline, disallow, disapprove and dismiss.

How do you use "Receive" in a sentence?

Examples of "Receive" in a sentence: "a top law-school grad who was received by the firm with open arms".

Is "Receive" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Receive" is a verb.

Is "Receive" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Receive" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Receive"?

"Receive" is pronounced /ri-ˈsēv/ and divided into syllables as re·ceive.

What is the origin of the word "Receive"?

"Receive" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French receivre, from Latin recipere, from re- + capere to take heave:1. First known use: 14th centuryt.