A2noun2K

Reception

UK /["/rɪˈsepʃn/"]/US /["/rɪˈsepʃn/"]/

Definition

the area inside the entrance of a hotel, an office building, etc. where guests or visitors go first when they arrive

In simple words: The act of receiving or a place to welcome people.

Examples

  • The reception for the wedding was held at a beautiful hotel.
  • When I arrived at the reception, I saw many guests chatting.
  • We need to improve the reception of our signals to avoid interruptions.
  • The radio reception was poor during the storm.
  • At the reception desk, the staff welcomed us warmly.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Commonly refers to events or gatherings (like a wedding reception) or front desks in offices. Not appropriate for casual situations unrelated to welcoming or receiving.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'receive' plus '-tion'; imagine a warm welcome when you arrive.

Collocations

  • report to
  • call
  • call down to
  • area
  • lobby
  • counter
  • at reception
  • at the reception
  • in reception
  • big
  • large
  • lavish
  • attend
  • give
  • have
  • room
  • at a/​the reception
  • reception for
  • enthusiastic
  • favourable/​favorable
  • friendly
  • enjoy
  • get
  • have
  • party
  • centre/​center
  • reception by
  • reception from
  • reception into
  • good
  • strong
  • bad
  • enthusiastic
  • favourable/​favorable
  • friendly
  • enjoy
  • get
  • have
  • party
  • centre/​center
  • reception by
  • reception from
  • reception into

Synonyms

  • welcome
  • greeting
  • arrival
  • acceptance
  • front desk

Antonyms

  • departure
  • exit

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'receipt' — a document acknowledging payment.
  • Used as a verb instead of as a noun.
  • Mispronounced, especially stressing the wrong syllable.