noun

reception

rih-SEP-shun/rɪˈsepʃn/

The act of receiving someone or something.

The guest receives a warm reception from the family at the door.

A family warmly receiving a guest at their front door, Black host and white guest with a small overnight bag.

Etymology

reLatinback

+ceptLatintake

+ionLatinact or process

The underlying idea is taking something in, though the force of “back” in the Latin verb is obscure. Reception names this receiving and extends to the manner in which someone or something is accepted.

In context

San Francisco Public Library29:34

articles in the newspaper were saying look at this woman who's come from so far away so she she received a a wonderful public reception in Philadelphia as well yeah yeah so she had quite a few allies

Shikha Malaviya, Anandibai Joshee A Life in Poems

More examples

Please leave your visitor badge at the reception desk.
The proposal receives a warm reception from local residents.
Cell phone reception is weak inside the elevator.
The receiver makes three receptions in the first quarter.

Forms

reception · receptions

receive verb — To accept or take in something.

receptionist noun — Someone who welcomes and assists visitors.

Similar words

welcome: Emphasizes friendliness or hospitality when someone arrives.
receipt: Means receiving something delivered, not welcoming guests or celebrating.
response: Describes a reaction, without necessarily involving receiving anything.