Search results for 'receive':

receive (received, receiving) verb, chiefly tr 1 to get, be given or accept (something offered, sent, etc). 2 to experience, undergo or suffer • receive injuries. 3 to give attention to or consider something • receive a petition. 4 to learn of or be informed of something • receive word of their arrival. 5 to react to something in a specified way • The film was badly received. 6 to admit or accept (an idea, principle, etc) as true. 7 to be awarded (an honour, etc) • receive the OBE. 8 to support or bear the weight of something. 9 tr & intr to be at home to (guests or visitors). 10 to welcome or greet (guests), especially formally • They were received in the vestibule. 11 to permit someone to become part of a particular body or group, or to take up a certain position • be received into the priesthood. 12 tr & intr, tennis, badminton to be the player who returns (the opposing player's service). 13 tr & intr, Christianity to participate in communion. 14 tr & intr, chiefly Brit to buy or deal in (goods one knows are stolen). 15 to change (radio or television signals) into sounds or pictures. receivability or receivableness noun. receivable adj. received adj generally accepted • received wisdom. receiving noun, adj.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from French receivre, from Latin recipere, from + capere to take.