The Word Receives – Definition and Usage
Receives – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “receives” is a verb that denotes the action of obtaining or being given something by someone else. It implies an acceptance or acquisition of items, information, benefits, etc., often from another individual or entity.
Grammatical Forms:
- Base form: receive
- Present participle/gerund: receiving
- Past simple/tense: received
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gets | Implies a more casual tone; often used informally. | “She gets her paycheck every Friday.” | Informal/Everyday |
| Acquires | Suggests gaining possession, sometimes after effort. | “The company acquired new technology to enhance productivity.” | Formal/Business |
| Obtains | Indicates receiving something through effort or request. | “He obtained permission from the committee.” | Formal/Academic |
| Accepts | Emphasizes agreement or willingness to take something. | “She accepts the award graciously.” | Formal/General |
| Secures | Implies gaining possession, often with a sense of achievement. | “The athlete secures a spot in the finals.” | Semi-Formal/Sporting Context |
Usage Notes
When choosing among these synonyms for “receives,” consider the context and intended nuance:
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Gets is ideal for casual or informal contexts, suitable for everyday conversation but less appropriate for formal writing.
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Acquires often denotes a more deliberate action of obtaining, such as acquiring skills, assets, or information. It fits well in business documents or professional communication where the effort involved is notable.
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Obtains suits academic and formal writing due to its implication of achieving something through specific means, like requesting approval or getting permissions.
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Accepts highlights an element of choice or agreement, often used when receiving awards, gifts, or proposals. It carries a tone of graciousness or consent.
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Secures suggests obtaining something that is possibly competitive or difficult to gain, frequently seen in sports, business contexts, or situations where success involves overcoming obstacles.
Common Pitfalls (Optional)
One common confusion involves mixing “receives” with its antonym or mistakenly using synonyms without considering their connotations:
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Using gets in a formal context can come across as too casual.
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Choosing accepts when the implication is more about acquisition rather than agreement could lead to misunderstanding, especially if no element of consent or choice exists.
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Obtains might be overused where simpler terms like “receives” would suffice, potentially complicating straightforward communication.
Final Recap
In summary, while “receives” generally indicates the act of getting something from another party, its synonyms allow for more nuanced expression. “Gets” is casual and everyday; “acquires” suggests effort in possession; “obtains” implies a formal acquisition process; “accepts” includes an element of agreement or consent; and “secures” emphasizes achievement.
To expand your vocabulary effectively, try incorporating these words into various contexts—whether it be in business writing, academic papers, casual speech, or creative narratives. Experiment by crafting sentences that reflect their unique shades of meaning, enhancing both clarity and precision in communication. Practice will help you discern when to use each synonym for optimal expression.