English Reference
noun

reception

n.
US /ɹiˈsɛpʃən/ UK /ɹɪsˈɛpʃən/ re·cep·tion UK spelling reception's, reception's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    the place in a hotel or office where you go when you first arrive.

    the area or desk in a commercial establishment where guests or clients are greeted and processed upon arrival.

    Simple

    Please leave your room key at reception when you go out for the day.

    In context

    The visitor was asked to wait at the reception desk while the assistant notified the manager of his arrival.

    front desklobby
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Electronics

    the quality of a radio, television, or mobile phone signal.

    the efficiency or clarity with which a device receives broadcast or telecommunication signals.

    Simple

    I am sorry I missed your call; the phone reception is very poor in the mountains.

    In context

    The technician explained that the thick concrete walls of the basement were responsible for the intermittent television reception.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    a formal social event or party to welcome someone or celebrate something.

    a formal social occasion held to welcome guests or celebrate a specific event, such as a wedding.

    Simple

    The wedding reception was held in a beautiful garden near the lake.

    In context

    Following the keynote speech, the university hosted a formal reception where faculty members could interact with the visiting scholars.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way people react to a new idea, book, or person.

    the manner in which something or someone is greeted or responded to by an audience.

    Simple

    The author's new book got a very warm reception from the critics.

    In context

    The proposed policy changes met with a hostile reception from the local community during the town hall meeting.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate British English Education

    the first year of school for young children, before Year 1.

    the first year of primary school for children aged four to five, preceding Year 1.

    Simple

    My daughter is starting reception this September and she is very excited.

    In context

    The curriculum in reception focuses heavily on social development and basic literacy through play-based learning.

    Usage

    Often used as a modifier, as in 'reception class' or 'reception teacher'.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced American English Sport

    the act of catching a pass in a game like American football.

    the successful catching of a forward pass by an eligible receiver.

    Simple

    The wide receiver made a spectacular reception right on the touchline.

    In context

    He finished the season with over eighty receptions, breaking the previous franchise record for a rookie players in his position.


From Middle English recepcion, reception, from Middle French reception, from Latin receptiōn- (“the act of receiving; reception”), from recipiō (“receive”), from re- (“back”) + capiō (“to hold”). Equivalent to receive + -tion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin receptiō
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated