Comprehensive Guide to “Receive”
receive – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “receive” is primarily used as a verb. It means to be given or presented with something, often implying acceptance or acknowledgment by the receiver. The term can apply in various contexts, ranging from receiving messages to receiving guests.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
Below is a list of synonyms for “receive,” highlighting their nuances and usage contexts:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accept | To consent to take something willingly. | “She accepted the award with grace.” | Formal, General |
| Obtain | To acquire or gain possession of something. | “He obtained a new job through networking.” | Academic/Informal |
| Acquire | To come into possession of something, often over time. | “The library will acquire more books next year.” | Business/Academic |
| Get | Informal for receiving or obtaining something. | “I’ll get the tickets as soon as they’re available.” | Casual/Conversational |
| Collect | To gather together items from various sources. | “She collects donations every weekend.” | General/Formal |
| Receive | (Used for comparison) Formal acceptance of something. | “He will receive a promotion in the next meeting.” | Formal/Business |
Usage Notes
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Accept: This synonym emphasizes willing or intentional acceptance, often used when consent is implied. It’s suitable across different registers but tends to be more formal than “receive.”
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Obtain and Acquire: Both suggest gaining possession but with slight differences: “obtain” usually refers to a specific act of getting something, while “acquire” implies a gradual or ongoing process.
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Get: As an informal term, it’s versatile in casual speech. It’s frequently used when discussing everyday items or experiences without much formality.
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Collect: This term suggests gathering various things, often from multiple sources over time, and can be used both formally and informally depending on the context (e.g., collecting data vs. collect stamps).
Common Pitfalls
A frequent confusion arises between “receive” and its antonym “give.” Learners should also note that “obtain” and “acquire,” while similar, are not interchangeable with “receive” in all contexts due to their nuanced implications regarding how possession is gained.
Another common mistake is using “get” interchangeably with “receive” in formal writing. While they can mean the same thing casually, “receive” tends to be more appropriate for formal and business contexts.
Final Recap
To summarize, while “receive” has a range of synonyms like “accept,” “obtain,” “acquire,” “get,” and “collect,” each carries its own specific nuances. Understanding these can help you choose the most suitable word based on context—be it casual conversation or formal documentation.
Practice using these synonyms in sentences to get a feel for their appropriate contexts and connotations. Engaging with them actively will enhance your vocabulary and improve clarity in communication.