Cool MateObtain vs Receive
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Obtain
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Receive
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Most common: Receive
| Obtain | Receive | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əbˈteɪn//🇺🇸 //əbˈteɪn// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈsiːv/","/rɪˈsiːvz/","/rɪˈsiːvd/","/rɪˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈsiːv/","/rɪˈsiːvz/","/rɪˈsiːvd/","/rɪˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To get or receive something. | to get something from someone |
| Example | You need to obtain permission from the manager first. | I was excited to receive the package in the mail yesterday. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | obtain a degree, obtain funding, obtain information, obtain results, obtain consent | regularly, automatically, currently, be entitled to, expect to, from, send and receive, transmit and receive, enthusiastically, favourably/favorably, warmly, with, regularly, automatically, currently, be entitled to, expect to, from, send and receive, transmit and receive, regularly, automatically, currently, be entitled to, expect to, from, send and receive, transmit and receive |
| Antonyms | lose, forfeit, surrender | give, send, offer |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'obtain' with 'get', which is less formal., Using 'obtain' incorrectly with intransitive forms., Incorrectly conjugating the verb in different tenses. | Confusing 'receive' with 'recieve' — the correct spelling has 'ie', 'Receive' is not used with 'to' — say 'receive a gift' not 'receive to a gift', Using 'receiving' as a noun — remember it's a verb or part of a verb phrase |
| Usage notes | Used in formal and neutral contexts. Common in academic and professional language. Not typically used in casual conversation. | Commonly used in both written and spoken English. Can be used in formal contexts, such as receiving awards, or informal situations like receiving a text message. Avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler terms like 'get' might fit better. |
Frequently asked questions: Obtain vs Receive
What's the difference between Obtain and Receive?
Obtain: To get or receive something. Receive: to get something from someone
Which is more common: Obtain and Receive?
Receive is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Obtain and Receive?
Obtain is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Obtain and Receive the same CEFR level?
Obtain: B2, Receive: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Obtain and Receive?
Obtain: verb, Receive: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Obtain: You need to obtain permission from the manager first. Receive: I was excited to receive the package in the mail yesterday.
Can I use Obtain and Receive interchangeably?
Not always. Obtain and Receive are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.