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.
The U.S. cattle market was valued at about $113 billion in 2024, based on gross revenue ranchers received from cattle sales.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026
Capricor says it adjusted the methodology after expanding the number of patients in its trial based on feedback it had earlier received from the FDA.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
She had to balance life on the run with her regular treatment, allowing the cameras to follow her as she received chemotherapy injections.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
Simms added that he and his wife received texts and photos from Shanahan’s wife, Mandy, informing him that “Kyle’s been a part of some horrible accident.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
“But it is vital—absolutely vital—that you tell us any information you have about your mother. Do you know where she might be living? Have you received correspondence from her?”
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
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.
