What does receive mean?
Receive is a common verb meaning to be given, sent, handed, or offered something. It applies to physical objects, such as a parcel or gift, as well as intangible things, including messages, instructions, news, benefits, and invitations. The word can also describe welcoming someone, as in receiving guests, or experiencing something, as in receiving treatment or widespread approval. In everyday conversation, people may say get when the situation is informal, but receive is especially common in announcements, formal writing, and contexts involving delivery, recognition, or public response. Its Latin origin, from recipere, meaning “take back” or “receive,” reflects the long history of the word in English and links it to related terms such as reception, recipient, and reciprocal.
To be given, sent, or handed something; to accept or take possession of something offered.
"The family received a package containing books and photographs."
A common formal and neutral verb for accepting deliveries, messages, gifts, awards, or benefits.
To welcome or entertain someone, especially a visitor or guest.
"The hosts received their guests with warm greetings."
The wording can suggest hospitality or a formal greeting.
To experience something, such as treatment, payment, news, or an injury.
"The patient received treatment at the hospital."
Often used in formal or institutional contexts, including medicine, law, finance, and public affairs.
To perceive or learn something, especially a message, signal, or fact.
"We received the report shortly after the meeting ended."
This sense is especially common in communication, technology, and official contexts.
Receive comes from the Latin recipere, literally “take back,” and has grown to mean everything from opening a parcel to welcoming a guest or learning a surprising fact.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does receive come from?
The English word receive comes through Old Frenchandre Latin recipere. The Latin verb combined re- meaning “back” with capere meaning “to take,” and originally conveyed the sense of taking back or retrieving. Over time, its English meaning broadened from taking possession of something to being given or sent something, welcoming a visitor, and experiencing an event or condition.
Related word forms
How receive is actually used
Receive is formal or neutral in tone and is widely used in both British and American English. In some contexts, especially with visitors or news, it can suggest a more deliberate or ceremonious presentation than the simpler verb get.
Easily confused with receive
Receive is a verb meaning to be given or accept something, while receipt is a noun meaning a written acknowledgement of payment or the act of receiving something.