Dictionary
re•ceive
Pronunciation: (ri-sēv'), [key]
—v., -ceived, -ceiv•ing.
—
v.t.
1. to take into one's possession (something offered or delivered):
to receive many gifts.
2. to have (something) bestowed, conferred, etc.:
to receive an honorary degree.
3. to have delivered or brought to one:
to receive a letter.
4. to get or be informed of:
to receive instructions; to receive news.
5. to be burdened with; sustain:
to receive a heavy load.
6. to hold, bear, or contain:
The nut receives a bolt and a washer. The plaster receives the impression of the mold.
7. to take into the mind; apprehend mentally:
to receive an idea.
8. to accept from another by hearing or listening:
A priest received his confession.
9. to meet with; experience:
to receive attention.
10. to suffer the injury of:
He received a terrific blow on the forehead.
11. to be at home to (visitors):
They received their neighbors on Sunday.
12. to greet or welcome (guests, visitors, etc.) upon arriving:
They received us at the front door.
13. to admit (a person) to a place:
The butler received him and asked him to wait in the drawing room.
14. to admit into an organization, membership, etc.:
to receive someone into the group.
15. to accept as authoritative, valid, true, or approved:
a principle universally received.
16. to react to in the manner specified:
to receive a proposal with contempt; She received the job offer with joy.
—
v.i.
1. to receive something.
2. to receive visitors or guests.
3. Radio.to convert incoming electromagnetic waves into the original signal.
4. to receive the Eucharist:
He receives every Sunday. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
