received

American  

[ri-seevd] / rɪˈsivd /

adjective

1. generally or traditionally accepted; conventional; standard.

   a received moral idea.

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received British  

/ rɪˈsiːvd /

adjective

1. generally accepted or believed

   received wisdom

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Other Word Forms

• well-received adjective

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

And earlier this month, his former transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, went on trial over allegations he received kickbacks on sales of Personal Protective Equipment to the Spanish government during the Covid pandemic.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

In 2018, the brothers were honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Daytime Emmys, and in 2020, they received stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Participants in the trial received an injection of the experimental drug zilebesiran in addition to their existing blood pressure treatments.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Valencia added that Manila had raised the alleged poisoning with Beijing at a recent meeting but had received no formal response.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

“I received but little income from the book and have had few sources of revenue.”

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Related Words

• accepted
• acknowledged
• collected
• earned