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.
It added DoH officials advised no formal application for a licence has ever been received and there are a range of issues that would need to be addressed before it is considered, external.
From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026
The Grammy-award winning rapper may have already received a down payment worth millions of dollars for the planned Russian dates, Fontanka reported.
From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026
While “Buddy” represents Kelly’s first theatrically released project, his affinity for parodying familiar media to unsettling ends first received mainstream attention with 2014’s “Too Many Cooks,” a short film for Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
Some people may object and say they have indeed received free advice from their brokerage — they have called up and talked to a representative, or met with somebody at a local branch.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 28, 2026
“But then we received an email from you on March 14 withdrawing your acceptance.”
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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.
