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.
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
The “OG influencer” said that he attempted to make amends with some of the celebrities he targeted, including Britney Spears and Khloé Kardashian, whom he said were receptive to his apologies.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 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
But they’re pursuing this strategy in a global political environment much less receptive to Chinese products than at any time in recent decades.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026
“As a general rule,” he said, “men are in a more receptive mood for pointers when working with familiar teammates.”
From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown
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.
