<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to take into one's possession (something offered or delivered): to receive many gifts.</li><li>to have (something) bestowed, conferred, etc.: to receive an honorary degree.</li><li>to have delivered or brought to one: to receive a letter.</li><li>to get or be informed of: to receive instructions; to receive news.</li><li>to be burdened with; sustain: to receive a heavy load.</li><li>to hold, bear, or contain: The nut receives a bolt and a washer. The plaster receives the impression of the mold.</li><li>to take into the mind; apprehend mentally: to receive an idea.</li><li>to accept from another by hearing or listening: A priest received his confession.</li><li>to meet with; experience: to receive attention.</li><li>to suffer the injury of: He received a terrific blow on the forehead.</li><li>to be at home to (visitors): They received their neighbors on Sunday.</li><li>to greet or welcome (guests, visitors, etc.) upon arriving: They received us at the front door.</li><li>to admit (a person) to a place: The butler received him and asked him to wait in the drawing room.</li><li>to admit into an organization, membership, etc.: to receive someone into the group.</li><li>to accept as authoritative, valid, true, or approved: a principle universally received.</li><li>to react to in the manner specified: to receive a proposal with contempt; She received the job offer with joy.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to receive something.</li><li>to receive visitors or guests.</li><li>to convert incoming electromagnetic waves into the original signal.</li><li>to receive the Eucharist: He receives every Sunday.</li></ul>