How to pronounce reception
Say it like rih-SEP-shun. Reception has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP).
- rih
- SEP
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reception pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SEPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of reception
American and British speakers say reception in essentially the same way: /rɪˈsɛpʃən/ in the US and /rɪˈsɛpʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-SEP-shun.
What does reception mean?
- The act of receiving.
- The act or ability to receive radio or similar signals.“We have poor TV reception in the valley.”
- A social engagement, usually to formally welcome someone.“After the wedding we proceeded to the reception.”
Where does reception come from?
From Middle English recepcion, reception, from Middle French reception, from Latin receptiōn- (“the act of receiving; reception”), from recipiō (“receive”), from re- (“back”) + capiō (“to hold”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with reception
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reception.
- exception
- perception
- conception
- deception
- inception
- interception
- contraception
- misconception
- misperception
- preconception
Questions about saying reception
How do you pronounce reception?
Say rih-SEP-shun. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈsɛpʃən/. In British English it is /rɪˈsɛpʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reception?
Reception has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP). Broken into parts: rih · SEP · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say reception the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈsɛpʃən/ and the British form is /rɪˈsɛpʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.