If you’ve ever paused while typing emails, academic papers, or professional documents and asked yourself, “Is it recieve or receive?” — you’re not alone. This is one of the most commonly misspelled words in the English language, and the reason is simple: the spelling breaks the classic “i before e except after c” rule in an unusual way.
But here’s the truth:
✔️ The correct spelling is receive.
❌ Recieve is always incorrect.
In this complete, SEO-optimized guide, we’ll explore why receive is spelled the way it is, why people commonly get it wrong, how to remember the correct spelling, and how to use it naturally in sentences. Whether you’re a student, writer, professional, or English learner, this guide will help you finally eliminate the confusion—for good.
Recieve or Receive: The Correct Answer
Correct Spelling: ✔️ Receive
Incorrect Spelling: ❌ Recieve
Receive is the correct form because it follows the rare spelling pattern:
“ei” after “c” when pronounced like ‘ee’”
This word is part of a group that breaks the traditional spelling rule, which is why it often tricks even native speakers.
Why ‘Receive’ Is Spelled With “ei”
The spelling comes from Old French receivre, which uses the “ei” vowel combination. When English borrowed the word, the spelling transitioned into its modern form:
re- (back) + ceive (take)
Meaning: “to take, to get, to accept, to be given.”
This French influence is also why English learners encounter other exceptions like:
- ceiling
- perceive
- deceive
- receipt
All contain the same “cei” pattern.
Why ‘Recieve’ Is Wrong
Most people incorrectly write recieve because they follow the rhyme:
“i before e except after c”
But that rule has many exceptions—receive being one of the biggest.
You will never see recieve used in formal writing, academic work, or professional publications. It is always a spelling mistake.
Meaning of “Receive”
The verb receive means:
- to be given something
- to accept something
- to experience or acquire
- to get a message, signal, or communication
- to welcome, host, or greet
Examples of meanings:
- “I received the package yesterday.”
- “She received a warm welcome.”
- “We received your email.”
How to Remember the Correct Spelling: Receive
Here are the best memory tricks:
1. Think of the word “receipt”
Both contain cei.
2. Remember: “The Queen RECEIVEs gifts.”
Focus on CEIV, which remains consistent.
3. Use the phrase: “When you RECEIVE, you CEIze something.”
CEI is the correct sequence.
4. Mnemonic:
“You RECEIVE something after you C-EI it.”
Examples of “Receive” in Sentences
Correct Usage
- I didn’t receive your message.
- Employees will receive their bonuses on Monday.
- She was happy to receive the award.
- Did you receive the confirmation email?
- The antenna can receive signals from long distances.
Incorrect Usage
- ❌ I didn’t recieve your message.
- ❌ She recieved a scholarship.
- ❌ You will recieve further instructions.
Every time, the correct form is receive / received / receiving.
Forms of the Word “Receive”
| Form | Correct Spelling | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Base verb | receive | ❌ recieve |
| Past tense | received | ❌ recieved |
| Past participle | received | ❌ recieved |
| Present participle | receiving | ❌ recieving |
Note: Receiving drops the second e, not the first.
Common Phrases With “Receive”
Here are frequently used expressions:
- receive a message
- receive an award
- receive payment
- receive support
- receive instructions
- receive permission
- receive criticism
- receive guests
- receive a gift
- receive feedback
All use the correct spelling: receive.
Why English Learners Get Confused
English spelling is full of inconsistencies due to its mix of:
- Old English
- Latin
- Greek
- French
- Germanic influences
Because receive keeps its French-origin spelling, it becomes one of the trickiest “ei” words.
Non-native speakers often apply the rule too literally, assuming “recieve” seems more logical—but logic and English spelling rarely go hand-in-hand.
Recieve vs Receive: Quick Summary
| Word | Correct? | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Receive | ✔️ Yes | To get, accept, be given |
| Recieve | ❌ No | Incorrect spelling |
Mini Test: Choose the Correct Spelling
Try these quickly:
- Did you ___ my package?
- We have not ___ payment yet.
- She is ___ her exam results tomorrow.
Answers:
- receive
- received
- receiving
Final Thoughts
When it comes to recieve vs receive, there is only one correct spelling—receive. The incorrect version appears often in informal writing, but in professional, academic, and everyday communication, spelling it correctly is essential.
