A2verb1K

Receive

UK /["/rɪˈsiːv/","/rɪˈsiːvz/","/rɪˈsiːvd/","/rɪˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/US /["/rɪˈsiːv/","/rɪˈsiːvz/","/rɪˈsiːvd/","/rɪˈsiːvɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to get or accept something that is sent or given to you

In simple words: to get something from someone

Examples

I was excited to receive the package in the mail yesterday.
She didn't receive the information she requested earlier.
He will receive an award for his hard work at the ceremony.
The teacher will receive feedback from the students after the lesson.
They were happy to receive their friends at the party.

Usage notes

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.

Grammar pattern

receive + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'Re-ceive' — imagine you re-gain something back.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

get
obtain
acquire
accept
gather

Antonyms

give
send
offer

Common mistakes

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