01 v. t. To take, as something that is offered, given, committed, sent, paid, or the like; to accept; as, to receive money offered in payment of a d…
imp. & p. p.
Received; p. pr. & vb. n.
Receiving
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1.
To take, as something that is offered, given, committed, sent, paid, or the like; to accept; as, to receive money offered in payment of a debt; to receive a gift, a message, or a letter.“Receyven all in gree that God us sent.” — Chaucer.
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3.
To allow, as a custom, tradition, or the like; to give credence or acceptance to.“Many other things there be which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots.” — Mark vii. 4.
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4.
To give admittance to; to permit to enter, as into one's house, presence, company, and the like; as, to receive a lodger, visitor, ambassador, messenger, etc.“They kindled a fire, and received us every one.” — Acts xxviii. 2.
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5.
To admit; to take in; to hold; to contain; to have capacity for; to be able to take in.“The brazen altar that was before the Lord was too little to receive the burnt offerings.” — 1 Kings viii. 64.
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6.
To be affected by something; to suffer; to be subjected to; as, to receive pleasure or pain; to receive a wound or a blow; to receive damage.“Against his will he can receive no harm.” — Milton.
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7.
To take from a thief, as goods known to be stolen.
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8.
To bat back (the ball) when served.(Lawn Tennis)“Who, if we knew What we receive, would either not accept Life offered, or soon beg to lay it down.” — Milton.
Phrases & compounds
Receiving ship —
one on board of which newly recruited sailors are received, and kept till drafted for service.
Syn.
To accept; take; allow; hold; retain; admit.
-- Receive, Accept. To receive describes simply the act of taking. To accept denotes the taking with approval, or for the purposes for which a thing is offered. Thus, we receive a letter when it comes to hand; we receive news when it reaches us; we accept a present when it is offered; we accept an invitation to dine with a friend.