Acceptance vs. Receiving: What's the Difference?
By Janet White & Harlon Moss || Updated on May 24, 2024
Acceptance involves agreeing to receive or consent to something, reflecting approval. Receiving simply means getting something without implying agreement or approval.
Key Differences
Acceptance involves an emotional or intellectual agreement to receive something. For example, accepting a job offer means you agree to the terms and conditions, and you are ready to take on the role. Receiving a job offer, on the other hand, means you have simply been presented with the offer but haven't necessarily agreed to it yet.
Acceptance also implies a sense of endorsement or approval. When you accept a gift, you not only take it but also show appreciation and acknowledgment. Receiving a gift means you take possession of it, but it doesn't necessarily indicate your feelings about the gift.
In legal contexts, acceptance signifies agreement to the terms of a contract, making it legally binding. Receiving a contract means you have it in your possession but have not yet agreed to its terms.
Psychologically, acceptance can involve embracing a situation or reality, often as a step towards peace or resolution. Receiving information, on the other hand, simply means obtaining knowledge of that information without necessarily coming to terms with it.
Acceptance often requires an active decision or acknowledgment, reflecting a proactive stance. Receiving can be a passive act, where the recipient doesn't have to make any decisions or judgments.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Agreeing to receive or consent to something, reflecting approval
The act of getting or being given something
Emotional Aspect
Implies emotional or intellectual agreement
No emotional involvement necessarily
Legal Context
Involves agreement to terms, making a contract binding
Simply having a contract in possession
Psychological Aspect
Embracing a situation or reality
Simply obtaining knowledge of information
Active/Passive
Active decision or acknowledgment
Passive act of getting
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Acceptance and Receiving Definitions
Acceptance
The act of agreeing to receive something.
Her acceptance of the award was met with applause.
Receiving
Being on the receiving end of communication.
He was receiving messages all day.
Acceptance
Acknowledgment of something as satisfactory.
He showed acceptance of the new company policies.
Receiving
Taking possession of something.
She is responsible for receiving the shipments.
Acceptance
Embracing a situation or condition.
Acceptance of the truth helped him move on.
Receiving
The act of getting something.
She is receiving a package today.
Acceptance
Agreement to terms in a contract.
The acceptance of the offer made the deal official.
Receiving
Being given something from someone else.
He enjoyed receiving gifts on his birthday.
Acceptance
Approval or favorable reception.
The new proposal met with widespread acceptance.
Receiving
The act of being provided with something.
They are receiving support from the community.
Acceptance
The act of taking something offered
The acceptance of a new job.
Receiving
To take or acquire (something given or offered); get or be given
Receive a present.
Acceptance
The act of admitting to a group or organization
Acceptance of new members into the club.
Receiving
To be the person who gets (something sent or transmitted)
Receive an email.
Acceptance
A notification that someone or something has been accepted
Received an acceptance from her first-choice college.
Receiving
(Sports) To catch or get possession of (a pass or a kicked ball, for example).
Acceptance
Favorable reception; approval
Acceptance of seat belts among the public has greatly reduced injuries in car accidents.
Receiving
To have (a title, for example) bestowed on oneself.
Acceptance
Belief in something; agreement
Acceptance of the new theory has been slow.
Receiving
To hear or see (information, for example)
Receive bad news.
Acceptance
A formal indication by a debtor of willingness to pay a draft or bill of exchange.
Receiving
To perceive or acquire mentally
Receive a bad impression.
Acceptance
An instrument so accepted, especially a bankers' acceptance.
Receiving
To regard with approval or disapproval
Ideas that were received well.
Acceptance
(Law) The demonstration of agreement with the terms and conditions of another's offer so that the offer becomes a contract between the two parties.
Receiving
To listen to and acknowledge formally and authoritatively
The judge received their oath of allegiance.
Acceptance
(uncountable) The act of accepting; the receiving of something offered, with acquiescence, approbation, or satisfaction; especially, favourable reception; approval.
The acceptance of a gift, office, doctrine, etc.
Receiving
To take in and convert (radio waves, for example) into an electrical signal or into an audio or visual output.
Acceptance
(countable) An instance of that act.
Receiving
To experience or be subjected to; meet with
Receive sympathetic treatment.
Acceptance
Belief in something; agreement, assent.
Receiving
To have inflicted or imposed on oneself
Receive a penalty.
Acceptance
The state of being accepted.
Receiving
To bear the weight or force of; support
The beams receive the full weight of the walls and roof.
Acceptance
The usual or accepted meaning of a word or expression.
Receiving
To take or intercept the impact of (a blow, for example).
Acceptance
An assent and engagement by the person on whom a bill of exchange is drawn, to pay it when due according to the terms of the acceptance; the bill of exchange itself when accepted.
Receiving
To be exposed to or withstand
The hillside cottage receives strong winds.
Acceptance
(law) An agreeing to the action, proposals, or terms of another by some act which results in the conclusion of a legally binding contract; the reception or taking of a thing bought as that for which it was bought, or as that agreed to be delivered, or the taking of possession of a thing as owner.
Receiving
To take in, hold, or contain
A tank that receives rainwater.
Acceptance
The act of an authorized representative of the government by which the government assents to ownership of existing and identified supplies, or approves specific services rendered, as partial or complete performance of a contract.
Receiving
To admit or accept
Receive new members.
Acceptance
A list of horses accepted as starters in a race.
Receiving
To greet, welcome, or be visited by
Receive guests.
Acceptance
(optics) etendue.
Receiving
To acquire or get something; be a recipient.
Acceptance
The act of accepting; a receiving what is offered, with approbation, satisfaction, or acquiescence; esp., favorable reception; approval; as, the acceptance of a gift, office, doctrine, etc.
They shall come up with acceptance on mine altar.
Receiving
To admit or welcome guests or visitors
The couple are not receiving this winter.
Acceptance
State of being accepted; acceptableness.
Receiving
To partake of the Eucharist.
Acceptance
An assent and engagement by the person on whom a bill of exchange is drawn, to pay it when due according to the terms of the acceptance.
Receiving
To convert incoming electromagnetic signals into sound, light, or electrical signals.
Acceptance
An agreeing to terms or proposals by which a bargain is concluded and the parties are bound; the reception or taking of a thing bought as that for which it was bought, or as that agreed to be delivered, or the taking possession as owner.
Receiving
(Sports) To receive a pass or a kicked ball, for example.
Acceptance
An agreeing to the action of another, by some act which binds the person in law.
Receiving
Present participle of receive
Acceptance
Meaning; acceptation.
Receiving
The act by which something is received; reception.
Acceptance
The mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true;
He gave credence to the gossip
Acceptance of Newtonian mechanics was unquestioned for 200 years
Acceptance
The act of accepting with approval; favorable reception;
Its adoption by society
The proposal found wide acceptance
Acceptance
The state of being acceptable and accepted;
Torn jeans received no acceptance at the country club
Acceptance
(contract law) words signifying consent to the terms of an offer (thereby creating a contract)
Acceptance
Banking: a time draft drawn on and accepted by a bank
Acceptance
A disposition to tolerate or accept people or situations;
All people should practice toleration and live together in peace
Acceptance
The act of taking something that is offered;
Her acceptance of the gift encouraged him
He anticipated their acceptance of his offer
FAQs
Is acceptance an active or passive process?
Acceptance is an active process involving decision or acknowledgment.
What does acceptance mean?
Acceptance means agreeing to receive or consenting to something, often implying approval.
Can you accept without receiving?
No, acceptance involves both agreeing to receive and the act of receiving.
What does receiving mean?
Receiving means getting or being given something, without implying agreement or approval.
What is the emotional aspect of acceptance?
Acceptance often involves emotional or intellectual agreement and approval.
How does receiving relate to legal contexts?
Receiving a contract means having it in possession without agreeing to the terms.
Can you receive without accepting?
Yes, you can receive something without agreeing to or approving of it.
How does acceptance apply in psychology?
Acceptance in psychology means embracing a situation or reality as a step towards resolution.
Is receiving an active or passive process?
Receiving can be a passive process where the recipient simply gets something.
What is the emotional aspect of receiving?
Receiving does not necessarily involve any emotional aspect.
How does acceptance relate to legal contexts?
Acceptance in legal contexts signifies agreement to terms, making contracts binding.
Does receiving require a decision?
No, receiving can occur without any decision-making.
Is receiving always a positive action?
Receiving is neutral; it depends on the context and the receiver’s perception.
Does acceptance imply endorsement?
Yes, acceptance implies endorsement or approval of something.
Can acceptance be forced?
True acceptance cannot be forced; it must come willingly from the individual.
Does receiving imply endorsement?
No, receiving does not imply endorsement or approval.
Does acceptance require a decision?
Yes, acceptance requires an active decision or acknowledgment.
Can receiving be forced?
Yes, one can be forced to receive something without agreeing to it.
How does receiving apply in communication?
Receiving in communication means being on the receiving end of messages or information.
Is acceptance always a positive reaction?
Generally, acceptance is viewed positively as it implies agreement and approval.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Co-written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
