rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: re-
Latin

re-

back, again; restoration or reversal

Forms

  • re-
  • red- — An early Latin form used before vowels and h.

Origin

Its ancestry before Latin is uncertain.

Note

In some old compounds the prefix adds emphasis, while in others its separate contribution has become unclear.

29 / 332
A thoughtful older white manager leaning forward attentively as a younger East Asian colleague presents a fresh sketch.
adjective

receptive

rih-SEP-tiv/rɪˈseptɪv/

Ready to receive or accept something offered.

Etymology
reLatinback, again; restoration or reversal
+ceptLatintake, hold, seize
+iveLatinhaving a quality or tendency

Originally describing the capacity to receive or act as a receptacle, receptive applies that taking-in image to ideas. The underlying Latin verb means “take in,” though the precise contribution of “back” is obscure.

Full entry

Related word entries