Receipt – Definition and Part of Speech
The term receipt primarily functions as a noun in English, although it can occasionally be used as a verb in certain contexts (e.g., “to receipt a bill”). As a noun, it refers to a written acknowledgment that something has been received or paid for. It is commonly associated with transactions, confirming that goods, services, or payments have been delivered or received.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | A formal confirmation of receipt or acceptance. | “I received an acknowledgment from the company for my returned goods.” | Formal/Business |
| Voucher | Often used to describe a document proving payment or entitlement to receive something. | “Please present your voucher at the checkout counter.” | Business/Informal |
| Confirmation | A formal assertion that something is accurate or will take place. | “He was provided with a confirmation of his hotel booking.” | Formal/Academic |
| Bill | In some contexts, refers to an itemized list of goods and services purchased and their prices. | “The cashier handed him the bill after he had finished shopping.” | Informal/Casual |
| Quittance | A formal release from a duty or obligation; often archaic. | “She received a quittance for the debt owed to her father-in-law.” | Formal/Academic/Literary |
Usage Notes
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Acknowledgment: This synonym is best suited for official and business contexts where formality is required, such as in written communications confirming receipt of goods or services.
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Voucher: Commonly used in retail environments, a voucher often implies entitlement to a service or product. It’s less formal than an acknowledgment and more transactional.
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Confirmation: Frequently used in both business settings (e.g., confirming bookings) and academic contexts (e.g., verifying exam results), this synonym conveys assurance about the validity of information or arrangements.
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Bill: This is versatile, often used colloquially to refer to a list of purchases, particularly after dining out or shopping. It’s more informal than other synonyms listed here.
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Quittance: Although not commonly used in everyday speech, it carries a formal and sometimes historical nuance. Suitable for academic writing or legal documents where tradition is emphasized.
Common Pitfalls
One common confusion arises between receipt and recipe due to their phonetic similarity. However, they are unrelated: “receipt” involves transactional acknowledgment while “recipe” pertains to culinary instructions. Additionally, mixing up a “bill” with an official “receipt” can lead to misunderstanding since a bill requests payment whereas a receipt confirms it.
Final Recap
In summary, the word receipt and its synonyms vary in formality and usage context. While “acknowledgment” and “confirmation” are more formal, suitable for business and academic settings, “voucher,” “bill,” and the archaic “quittance” serve specific transactional functions with different nuances.
Learners should practice using these synonyms to enrich their vocabulary. Experimenting by crafting sentences or engaging in conversations where these terms can be naturally applied will help solidify understanding and appropriate usage. For instance, try writing a business email using “acknowledgment,” or discuss a shopping experience mentioning “bill.”