What is receive? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "receive" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, but they generally revolve around getting something. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Verb – To Get Something (Most Common)

• Meaning: To get or obtain something, often tangible (physical) or intangible (abstract).
• Examples:
  • "I received a package in the mail today." (Tangible – a physical object)
  • "She received an award for her hard work." (Intangible – recognition)
  • "He received the news with great joy." (Intangible – information)
  • "The company received a large order." (Tangible – goods/services)
  • "Can you receive my email?" (Digital – an email)

2. As a Verb – To Listen or Be Told Something

• Meaning: To hear or be told something; to understand information.
• Examples:
  • "I received a phone call from my mother." (You heard her voice)
  • "He received instructions from his boss." (You understood the directions)
  • "She received the information quietly." (She listened carefully)
  • "I'm happy to receive your feedback." (I'm open to hearing your opinion)

3. As a Verb – To Accept (Often Formal)

• Meaning: To accept something offered, often with gratitude or willingness. This often suggests something beneficial or agreed upon.
• Examples:
  • "He received a generous donation to his charity." (He accepted the donation gratefully)
  • "The diplomat received the foreign minister with honor." (He accepted the meeting politely)
  • "The company received approval for the new project." (They accepted the permission)

4. "Receive" as a Verb – To Be Given (Passive Voice)

• Meaning: This is a passive voice construction. It means something is given to someone.
• Examples:
  • "The envelope was received by the mail carrier." (The mail carrier was given the envelope.)
  • "The letter will be received tomorrow." (Someone will give the letter tomorrow.)

Phrases with "Receive":

• Receive with pleasure: To accept something gladly.
• Receive a gift: To get a present.
• Receive criticism: To hear criticism.
• Receive a warning: To be told about a potential problem.
• Receive a payment: To get money.

Key Differences & Synonyms:

• Receive vs. Get: "Get" is generally more informal. “Receive” is often more formal and implies a deliberate action.
• Receive vs. Obtain: "Obtain" is similar, but often suggests a more active effort to get something.
• Receive vs. Hear: "Hear" is used specifically for auditory sense. "Receive" is broader and can include information that isn’t just heard (like a message).

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

• What kind of context are you working with? (e.g., writing a formal email, having a casual conversation, studying English grammar?)
• Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?