received
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of received
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; receive + -ed 2
Explanation
Received is an adjective that refers to something that is largely accepted as true or good. It’s also the past participle of the verb receive. If you rely on received wisdom, you might not ever come up with an original idea. Received, meaning “generally accepted as true or worthy,” was first recorded in the fifteenth century as the past participle adjective of receive, a verb meaning “accept.” So, that which has been accepted, has been received, or noted as correct or good. More specifically, received can be used to refer to established truths, like that failing to drink enough water can lead to dehydration. It's one of those words that actually follows the rule "i before e except after c."
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.
Still, I feel lucky to have received this money at this time of my life.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
Crystal River had received a total of $150 at that point for a curriculum packet it sold.
From Salon ● Jul. 27, 2026
A quarter century later, Amundson, now a 39-year-old travel agent and former kindergarten teacher, received a call from her 13-year-old neighbor.
From Slate ● Jul. 27, 2026
The local prosecutor’s office hasn’t received a warrant request in the case, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026
In Rochester, Leah received a rare Sunday telegram from Maggie’s hosts, “Send your mother here or come yourself by Monday night. It is of vital importance. Answer by telegraph at once.”
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
Definitions 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.
