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.
Because he received what is called an extended determinate sentence at the time, he cannot be considered for this early release scheme.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
The plant got air pollution permits in January, Amazon received construction permits last week, and satellite imagery confirmed clearing had begun at the site named in the plant's air permit records.
From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026
It has received more than $125 million in aggregate U.S. government awards supporting national-security applications, it said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026
A week after, he was granted a leave of absence to prioritise his mental health and received professional support and treatment to "take care of himself emotionally".
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
Robert Kane received notice that Ellet had prepared a book manuscript and that it contained transcripts of Elisha’s letters to Maggie.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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.
