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.
The investigators’ report said the fire ignited when electrical arcing on the idle line caused hot metal particles to fall into “the receptive fuel beds consisting of dry vegetation” below the tower.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026
He appeared on Crooked Media and NPR and sat for Q&As with Ross Douthat, outlining his worldview for skeptical but receptive hosts.
From Slate ● Aug. 7, 2026
Officials said fire investigators found a “dry receptive fuel bed” below the transmission tower in a wash within Eaton Canyon, which sits just east of Altadena and north of Pasadena.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026
It is claimed the forward is still very receptive to renewing at the Bernabeu but "wants to feel loved".
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
The purpose of the exordium is to put the audience into a receptive and attentive frame of mind.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
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.
