Understanding “Received”: Definitions and Synonyms
Received – Definition and Part of Speech
“Received” serves primarily as a verb and past participle form of the word “receive.” It denotes the action or state of getting something from someone or having it brought to you, such as an item, message, acknowledgment, or approval. Additionally, when used in a more abstract sense, “received” can refer to widely accepted beliefs or standards.
Grammatical Forms
- Received (verb/past participle): Indicates the past action of obtaining or accepting something.
- Receive (base form verb): The act of getting or accepting something.
Core Synonyms
Here’s a table listing some key synonyms for “received” along with their nuances, example sentences, and applicable styles or registers:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obtained | Emphasizes acquiring through effort or action | “She finally obtained the approval she needed for her project.” | Formal/Professional |
| Acquired | Suggests possession gained, often used for intangibles | “He acquired new skills during his training.” | Academic/Casual |
| Collected | Implies gathering or assembling items systematically | “The museum collected artifacts from various historical periods.” | Informal/Formal |
| Accepted | Indicates approval or consent | “Her proposal was accepted by the committee without revision.” | Business/Professional |
| Garnered | Conveys actively winning support or attention | “She garnered widespread praise for her innovative ideas.” | Creative/Informative |
Usage Notes
- Obtained is often used in formal or professional contexts where emphasis on effort or process is needed, such as reports or official documentation.
- Acquired can be found in both academic and casual settings when discussing skills, knowledge, or objects that have been gained over time.
- Collected works well in narratives about assembling things, whether they are physical items like stamps or data points for research.
- Accepted is particularly common in business communication, indicating approval from another party, such as proposals, contracts, or policies.
- Garnered adds a dynamic quality to sentences and can be effectively used in creative writing to highlight active achievement of results or acclaim.
Common Pitfalls
One typical mistake is confusing “received” with its antonym “gave,” which can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. Additionally, learners might struggle with selecting between synonyms like “obtained” and “acquired.” The key difference lies in context: use “obtained” when referring to something obtained through effort or action, while “acquired” fits more naturally for skills or knowledge.
Final Recap
In summary, the word “received” can be replaced by a variety of synonyms depending on context—each bringing its unique nuance:
- Obtained focuses on acquisition through effort.
- Acquired is suitable for possessions gained over time.
- Collected suggests systematic assembly or gathering.
- Accepted conveys approval or agreement.
- Garnered emphasizes actively winning support or attention.
To enhance understanding and usage, practice incorporating these synonyms into your writing. Try crafting sentences using each synonym in different contexts, such as business emails, academic papers, casual conversations, or creative stories, to better grasp their nuances and applications.