What is reception? Pronunciation and usage in English

reception means . Learn how to pronounce and use reception through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of reception

receptionnoun

/rɪˈsɛpʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of reception

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reception." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • Reh-SEP-shuhn

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • Reh: Like the "re" in "red." A short, crisp sound.
  • SEP: Like "sep" in "September." It’s a clear, single syllable.
  • shuhn: This is the key! It rhymes with "sun.” The "sh" sound is like in "ship," and then you add a soft "n" sound at the end.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /rɪˈsepʃən/

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable - "SEP."
  • Don’t over-emphasize the “re”: It’s a very light "re" sound.
  • Practice slowly: Repeat the syllables slowly and deliberately, focusing on getting each sound correct before speeding up.

Resources to Listen:

  • Google Translate: Type "reception" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (It's a good starting point, though sometimes a little robotic.)
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/reception/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word. It’s hugely helpful!
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce reception" on YouTube and you'll find many videos with clear pronunciation examples.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using "reception"?

Usage and examples with the word reception in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reception" in English. It has several different meanings, so it's important to understand the context! Here's a detailed explanation:

1. A Party or Celebration (Most Common Usage)

  • Definition: This is the most frequent way "reception" is used. It refers to a social gathering, often after a wedding, graduation, or other significant event. It's usually a more formal or elegant event than a casual party.
  • Examples:
    • "They held a beautiful reception at the country club."
    • "We're planning a surprise reception for her 50th birthday."
    • "The reception featured live music and a buffet dinner."
    • "Don't forget to RSVP to the reception!"

2. The Act of Receiving (Formal, Less Common)

  • Definition: This refers to the act of receiving someone or something – accepting an offering, a guest, or a piece of news. It’s a more formal and slightly archaic usage.
  • Examples:
    • "The ambassador gave the delegation a formal reception." (Accepting them with honor)
    • "He politely declined the offer of reception." (Rejecting an offer of being received)
    • “The queen received the dignitaries at a state reception.” (Formal acceptance of visitors)

3. A Place for Receiving Guests (Often After an Event)

  • Definition: This describes a room or area set up to greet guests after a ceremony or event. Think of it as the area around the main event.
  • Examples:
    • "The reception area was decorated with flowers and balloons."
    • "Guests were directed to the reception after the ceremony."
    • “They had a small reception area outside the church for well-wishers.”

4. (In some contexts) A Welcome or Greeting (Informal)

  • Definition: Sometimes, it can be used informally to mean a warm welcome or greeting.
  • Example: “She gave him a friendly reception.” (Meaning, she greeted him warmly.)

Key Differences and Synonyms:

Feature Reception Alternative Words
Main Meaning Party/Celebration Party, Gathering, Social Event
Formality Often Formal Casual, Informal
Focus Event & Atmosphere The act of receiving

Tips for Using "Reception" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay close attention to the context. Is it about a wedding? A formal event? Or simply a friendly greeting?
  • Consider Your Audience: "Reception" is more common in formal writing and speech. In casual conversation, you might use alternatives like "party" or "gathering."

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

  • What are you writing or speaking about? (e.g., a wedding, a business event, a general conversation?)

Synonyms for the word reception

Practice with vocabulary reception

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The university's annual new student orientation includes a formal welcoming ________ for all incoming scholars.
  2. Effective communication relies not only on the message sent but also on its ________ by the audience.
  3. Despite advanced technology, video ________ in this remote area remains inconsistent, making online conferences difficult.
  4. Guests are requested to wait in the main ________ area until their appointment is confirmed by the staff.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of these terms describes the designated area in a professional office where visitors are first greeted upon arrival? a) the lounge b) the waiting room c) the reception d) the antechamber

  2. The art exhibition garnered a mixed ________ from critics, with some praising its innovation and others finding it too unconventional. a) critique b) assessment c) review d) reception

  3. After the graduation ceremony, a formal ________ was held for graduates, faculty, and their families, featuring light refreshments. a) banquet b) gathering c) reception d) celebration

  4. The immediate ________ of the security alert allowed the IT team to quickly address the potential threat. a) notice b) detection c) discovery d) observation

  5. Effective customer service often involves actively ________ to client feedback and implementing necessary changes. a) listening b) responding c) attending d) complying

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The new government policy was greeted with considerable skepticism by financial analysts. Rewrite using "reception" or related word forms:

  2. Original: Visitors needing assistance should contact the person at the main inquiry counter. Rewrite using "reception" or related word forms:

  3. Original: The poor signal quality in the basement made it difficult to make phone calls. Rewrite (do not use "reception"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The university's annual new student orientation includes a formal welcoming reception for all incoming scholars.
  2. Effective communication relies not only on the message sent but also on its reception by the audience.
  3. Despite advanced technology, video quality in this remote area remains inconsistent, making online conferences difficult.
  4. Guests are requested to wait in the main lobby area until their appointment is confirmed by the staff.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) reception
  2. d) reception
  3. c) reception
  4. b) detection, c) discovery
  5. a) listening, b) responding

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The new government policy received a skeptical reception from financial analysts.
  2. Visitors needing assistance should go to the reception desk.
  3. The weak signal strength in the basement made it difficult to make phone calls.

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