receive

*word (from someone or something)

messages or communication from someone or something. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; hear ~; receive ~.) We have just received word from Perry that the contract has been signed.

See also: word

It is better to give than to receive. and It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Prov. It is more virtuous to give things than to get them. (Biblical.) Susan told her children, "Instead of thinking so much about what you want for your birthday, think about what to give your brothers and sisters for their birthdays. Remember, it is better to give than to receive." Our charity encourages you to share the good things you have. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

See also: better, give

receive someone or something back

to get someone or something back. Martha received her husband back after his escapade. I sent a letter off with the wrong postage and received it back two weeks later.

See also: back

receive someone as someone or something

to welcome and accept someone as someone or something. The king received the ambassador as an honored guest. They said they would receive their former guest as a welcome visitor.

receive someone into something

to welcome someone into something, some place, or some organization. Everyone received the new member into the club with eager congratulations. We received them into our homes and fed them well.

receive someone with open arms and welcome someone with open arms 

1. Lit. to greet someone with arms spread wide to hug someone. His mother greeted him with open arms at the door.

2. Fig. to greet someone eagerly. I'm sure they wanted us to stay for dinner. They received us with open arms. When I came home from college, the whole family welcomed me with open arms.

See also: arm, open

receive something from someone

to get and accept something from someone. Tony received a sweater from his grandfather for his birthday. Who did you receive this from?

receive something from some place

to get and accept something from some place. I just received a letter from Budapest! Mary received a package from Japan.

See also: place, some

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be at/on the receiving end

if you are on the receiving end of something unpleasant that someone does, you suffer because of it (usually + of ) Sales assistants are often at the receiving end of verbal abuse from customers.

See also: end

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on the receiving end also at the receiving end

feeling the unpleasant effects of something She'd been on the receiving end of his temper a few times and knew how nasty it could be.

See also: end