receptive
Americanadjective
-
having the quality of receiving, taking in, or admitting.
-
able or quick to receive knowledge, ideas, etc..
a receptive mind.
-
willing or inclined to receive suggestions, offers, etc., with favor.
a receptive listener.
- Synonyms:
- open, responsive, hospitable, amenable
-
of or relating to reception or receptors
a receptive end organ.
-
(in language learning) of or relating to the language skills of listening and reading (opposed to productive).
adjective
-
able to apprehend quickly
-
tending to receive new ideas or suggestions favourably
-
able to hold or receive
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of receptive
From the Medieval Latin word receptīvus, dating back to 1540–50. See reception, -ive
Explanation
To be receptive is to be open to new ideas or change. If you’re responsive to other people’s suggestions and not set in your ways, then you’re not only receptive, but flexible. The adjective receptive actually comes from a Latin word that means receive. So a receptive person is willing to receive things, especially opposing arguments, constructive criticism, and helpful hints. How receptive you are speaks to your willingness to have an impression made upon you. It can be good to be large and in charge sometimes, but you can also benefit from stepping back and being receptive to what life brings.
Vocabulary lists containing receptive
Of Mice and Men
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Shelton, known for having a strong work ethic and insatiable will-to-win, is likely to be receptive to Ferrero's demands - as long as they do not neutralise his raw weapons.
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026
He seemed so family-oriented, and he was warm and receptive to my own mom.
From Slate ● Oct. 26, 2026
Still, the official said the president could be receptive to the idea, given his desire to fulfill a campaign promise to settle the war.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026
As renter candidates become more successful, tenant unions, which have often focused on pushing landlords for changes within their own buildings, expect to have more receptive partners in local, state and federal offices.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026
The loss of the ability to understand what is said to you is called "receptive aphasia."
From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
