receptive
What does "receptive" mean?
To be receptive means to be open and responsive to new ideas, suggestions, or influences. Think of it as having "open mental doors"—rather than shutting out information that challenges your existing beliefs, you are willing to listen, consider, and integrate different perspectives into your own thinking. This word is often used in professional or intellectual contexts to describe someone who is easy to communicate with or quick to adopt change. It is frequently paired with words like "audience," "mind," or "feedback." While "open-minded" is a common synonym, "receptive" implies a sense of active readiness to receive or accept something specific.
"receptive" in conversation
Work feedback session
I appreciate how you were so receptive to the critique on your project proposal.
I appreciate how you were so receptive to the critique on your project proposal.
Thanks, I really want to make sure the final version is as strong as possible.
Thanks, I really want to make sure the final version is as strong as possible.
Used to describe a positive attitude toward constructive criticism.
Discussing a new plan
Do you think the board will be receptive to our proposal for a four-day work week?
Do you think the board will be receptive to our proposal for a four-day work week?
Honestly, it depends on the data we present; they need to see the logic.
Honestly, it depends on the data we present; they need to see the logic.
Commonly used when gauging how an authority figure might respond to an idea.
"receptive" in a sentence
She was very receptive to my suggestions.
She was very receptive to my suggestions.
To succeed in a changing market, a company must remain receptive to consumer feedback.
To succeed in a changing market, a company must remain receptive to consumer feedback.
His receptive nature allowed him to learn complex new skills far more quickly than his peers.
His receptive nature allowed him to learn complex new skills far more quickly than his peers.
