receptive

[ ri-sep-tiv ]

adjective

1. having the quality of receiving, taking in, or admitting.
2. able or quick to receive knowledge, ideas, etc.:

   a receptive mind.

3. willing or inclined to receive suggestions, offers, etc., with favor:

   a receptive listener.

   Synonyms: open, responsive, hospitable, amenable

4. of or relating to reception or receptors

   a receptive end organ.

5. (in language learning) of or relating to the language skills of listening and reading ( productive ).

receptive

/ rɪˈsɛptɪv; ˌriːsɛpˈtɪvɪtɪ /

adjective

1. able to apprehend quickly
2. tending to receive new ideas or suggestions favourably
3. able to hold or receive

Derived Forms

• reˈceptively, adverb
• receptivity, noun

Other Words From

• re·cep·tive·ly adverb
• re·cep·tiv·i·ty [ree-sep-, tiv, -i-tee], re·cep·tive·ness [ri-, sep, -tiv-nis], noun
• non·re·cep·tive adjective
• non·re·cep·tive·ly adverb
• un·re·cep·tive adjective
• un·re·cep·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of receptive¹

From the Medieval Latin word receptīvus, dating back to 1540–50. See reception, -ive

Example Sentences

“Still in need of a ‘classical’-type composer,” Coppola approached the American maestro John Adams, “who was kind and receptive but not really interested in composing new music for me.”

From Los Angeles Times

Netanyahu’s decision to nominate a hardline settler leader for Israeli ambassador to Washington three days after Trump’s election also indicates that the prime minister believes the next administration will be receptive to right-wing arguments.

From BBC

“Eventually you become more receptive to the subtle changes around you. Your problems may feel smaller. It gives you perspective that there is this magical world outside of yourself.”

From Los Angeles Times

One economic proposal where both candidates overlap is ending taxes on tips - a concept that has found a receptive audience among Nevada's service workers, more than half of whom are Latino.

From BBC

A state bill setting up a licensing system for stonecutting shops was pulled back this July by its author, who said state regulators were not receptive to the idea.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amenable
• approachable
• friendly
• hospitable
• interested
• open-minded
• ready
• responsive
• sensitive
• susceptible
• sympathetic
• welcoming