receptive

/rɪˈsɛptɪv/

Say it: ri-SEP-tiv

1. adjective Willing to consider or accept new suggestions, ideas, or experiences.
The team was receptive to feedback and made several changes to the proposal.
2. adjective Relating to or capable of receiving stimuli or signals.
The skin contains millions of receptive nerve endings that detect touch and temperature.

📖 Seen in the wild

The manager was always receptive to innovative ideas from her team members.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ receptive in a sentence

To get your project approved, you need to present it when the board is in a receptive mood.
The market was surprisingly receptive to the unexpected policy change.
I tried talking to him about his behavior, but he just wasn't receptive at all.
Her mind was like receptive clay, ready to be shaped by the great authors she read.
The community was very receptive to the new family, inviting them to several local events.
During their most receptive period, the students learned the new language quickly.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

open-minded amenable responsive accepting approachable welcoming sympathetic open

open-minded · suggests a general willingness to consider different viewpoints, not just a specific proposal.

amenable · implies a willingness to agree or be persuaded, often in a cooperative or compliant way.

responsive · emphasizes reacting positively and quickly to something, implying action rather than just consideration.

accepting · focuses on a non-judgmental attitude toward people or situations.

Opposites: unreceptive, resistant, closed-minded, hostile, unresponsive

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'receptive' entered English in the late 1500s, tracing its roots to the Latin verb 'recipere', which means 'to take back' or 'to receive'. Its meaning has remained remarkably consistent, always centered on the idea of taking something in, whether it's a physical signal, a piece of information, or a new idea.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

receptive to new ideasa receptive audiencereceptive to feedbacka receptive mindhighly receptive

Receptive is a positive term suggesting a thoughtful lack of prejudice. It is most often followed by the preposition 'to', as in 'receptive to suggestions'. Don't confuse it with 'responsive'; being receptive is about your attitude and willingness to listen, while being responsive is about taking action or replying based on what you've heard.

Word family: receptiveness, receptivity, receive, reception

💬 Quick answers

What does receptive mean in simple terms?

It means being open and willing to listen to or accept new ideas and suggestions. A receptive person is not closed-minded.

What is the difference between 'receptive' and 'responsive'?

'Receptive' describes a willingness to listen and consider, which is a state of mind. 'Responsive' describes actively reacting or replying to something, which is an action.

Is being receptive a good thing?

Yes, 'receptive' is almost always a positive word. It implies positive qualities like open-mindedness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage with others.

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