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REFERENCE

reception

n.
US //ɹiˈsɛpʃən// UK //ɹɪsˈɛpʃən// re·cep·tion
  1. 1 hotel or office desk (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The visitor was asked to wait at the reception desk while the assistant notified the manager of his arrival.
  2. 2 signal quality (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The technician explained that the thick concrete walls of the basement were responsible for the intermittent television reception.
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  1. 3 formal party (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    Following the keynote speech, the university hosted a formal reception where faculty members could interact with the visiting scholars.
  2. 4 reaction or welcome (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The proposed policy changes met with a hostile reception from the local community during the town hall meeting.
  3. 5 first year of school (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    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'.
  4. 6 catching a ball (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

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.

Word family

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