receptionist — A person employed to receive and assist visitors, answer the telephone, and deal with general inquiries at the entrance of an office or organization
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A person employed to receive and assist visitors, answer the telephone, and deal with general inquiries at the entrance of an office or organization
Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈsepʃənɪst/
Example Sentences
- The receptionist juggled three phone calls while greeting visitors - she was basically a human octopus in a business suit.
- Our new receptionist has such a good memory that she remembers everyone's coffee preferences after just one visit.
- The dentist's receptionist was so cheerful that even patients forgot they were there for root canals.
receptionist
NOUN[/rɪˈsepʃənɪst/]
A person employed to receive and assist visitors, answer the telephone, and deal with general inquiries at the entrance of an office or organization

The hotel receptionist greets guests with a warm smile at check-in.

The perfectionist receptionist inspires the impressionist!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin recipere, meaning 'to receive' or 'to accept'. It evolved through the suffix -tion (denoting an action or process) and -ist (denoting a person who performs an action), ultimately designating a person whose role is to receive or accept visitors and clients.
Breakdown
recipere (to receive) + -tion (action/process) + -ist (person who performs). The compound formation reflects the occupational designation of someone who receives and welcomes guests or clients.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The receptionist juggled three phone calls while greeting visitors - she was basically a human octopus in a business suit.”
“Our new receptionist has such a good memory that she remembers everyone's coffee preferences after just one visit.”
“The dentist's receptionist was so cheerful that even patients forgot they were there for root canals.”
“She trained as a receptionist before moving into human resources management.”
📚Related Words
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