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receive

/rɪˈsiːv/
verb★Beginner— to get or accept something
general

to get or accept something that is given, sent, or delivered

He received a letter from his friend.

He got a letter from his friend.

The company received a large order.

The company got a large order.

💡

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

formal

to be given or awarded something

She received an award for her work.

She was given an award for her work.

He received a promotion after years of service.

He was promoted after years of service.

💡

Often used in formal or official contexts.

Collocations

receive a messageto get a messagereceive a giftto get a giftreceive an emailto get an emailreceive a callto get a callreceive a packageto get a package

Synonyms

getacceptobtainacquire

Antonyms

givesenddonate

Related Phrases

receive a shockphrase
to be surprised or shocked by something
receive a visitorphrase
to welcome or accept a visitor

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Receive' is often used in formal contexts, while 'get' is more common in informal speech.

⚡Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'receive' in formal or official contexts, and 'get' in casual conversations.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English receiven, from Old French receivre, from Latin recipere, from re- (back) + capere (to take).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Often used with objects like letters, gifts, messages, and awards.

Word Breakdown

re-
back
prefix
+
-ceive
to take
root
English Dictionary

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