Meaning

Capable of receiving something..

Definitions by Sense

1. Capable of receiving something.
2. Ready to receive something, especially new concepts or ideas.
3. (botany) Of a female flower or gynoecium: ready for reproduction; fertile.
4. (neurology, psychology) Of, affecting, or pertaining to the understanding of language rather than its expression.
5. (zoology) Of a female animal (especially a mammal): prepared to mate; in heat, in oestrus.

Example Sentences

receptive to the idea

The patient was receptive to her treatment

The owner drank cider at the Spotted Woodpigeon and talked pleasantly with the villagers, who, on learning that he had never even heard of the Surrey cattle-maimings, were at great pains to pour information and theories into his receptive ear.

When the delightful draught is quaffed and the winged beggar turns to leave, it is confronted with a straight and narrow way out, and before the open can be reached our bee must squeeze under a receptive stigma covered with sticky hairs which comb the pollen grains from the fuzzy back of the visitor.

Word Forms

• more receptive
• most receptive

Synonyms for receptive

Antonyms for receptive

Related Words

When Should You Use Receptive?

Use receptive when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions