verb

receive

To get or accept something given or sent.

She receives a package from her sister every Friday.

Etymology

Latin recipere means to take back or take in. The English sense emphasizes taking in something offered, sent, or transferred from elsewhere.

More examples

  • Did you receive my email yesterday?
  • Each winner receives a certificate.
  • We received a full refund for the canceled flight.

Forms

receive · receives · received · receiving

receiver noun — A person or device that receives something.

Similar words

get
More informal and broader; also covers obtaining through effort.
accept
Emphasizes willingly taking something rather than merely getting it.
obtain
Emphasizes acquiring something, often through effort or a request.