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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
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
These protest-laden times couldn’t be more receptive to the stirring “Everybody to Kenmure Street,” which speaks to a moment when the machinery of institutional cruelty was ground to a halt by righteous neighborliness.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026
There is no guarantee Mattel will be receptive to Authentic’s approach or the two sides will reach a deal, the people cautioned.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
The English Football League, however, issued a statement on Thursday that said it would be "receptive to discussions around reviewing the current legislation".
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 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.
