B1 noun Neutral

receptionist

/rɪˈsep.ʃən.ɪst/

A person who works in a hotel, office, or hospital and greets people when they arrive.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The receptionist was very helpful and recommended a local restaurant.

The receptionist was very helpful and recommended a local restaurant.

2

I told the receptionist that the air conditioning in my room was broken.

I told the receptionist that the air conditioning in my room was broken.

3

The medical receptionist will schedule your follow-up appointment.

The medical receptionist will schedule your follow-up appointment.

Word Family

Noun
receptionist, reception
Verb
receive
Adjective
receptive
💡

Memory Tip

A 'Receptionist' works at 'Reception' to 'Receive' you.

Quick Quiz

Ask the ______ for a map of the city.

Correct!

The correct answer is: receptionist

Examples

1

The receptionist was very helpful and recommended a local restaurant.

everyday

The receptionist was very helpful and recommended a local restaurant.

2

I told the receptionist that the air conditioning in my room was broken.

informal

I told the receptionist that the air conditioning in my room was broken.

3

The medical receptionist will schedule your follow-up appointment.

formal

The medical receptionist will schedule your follow-up appointment.

4

We are looking for a bilingual receptionist for our international office.

business

We are looking for a bilingual receptionist for our international office.

5

The receptionist at the spa offered us a glass of water while we waited.

everyday

The receptionist at the spa offered us a glass of water while we waited.

Word Family

Noun
receptionist, reception
Verb
receive
Adjective
receptive

Common Collocations

hotel receptionist hotel receptionist
friendly receptionist friendly receptionist
work as a receptionist work as a receptionist
receptionist's desk receptionist's desk
medical receptionist medical receptionist

Common Phrases

speak to the receptionist

speak to the receptionist

front desk receptionist

front desk receptionist

receptionist duties

receptionist duties

Often Confused With

receptionist vs concierge

A receptionist handles check-ins; a concierge helps with specific guest requests like booking tours.

📝

Usage Notes

In hospitality, this person is the 'face' of the hotel and the first person a guest meets.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell it by missing the 'i' after the 't'.

💡

Memory Tip

A 'Receptionist' works at 'Reception' to 'Receive' you.

📖

Word Origin

From 'reception' + the suffix '-ist' (person who does something).

Grammar Patterns

countable noun usually used with the verb 'work as'
🌍

Cultural Context

Excellent customer service from the receptionist is a hallmark of high-end hotels.

Quick Quiz

Ask the ______ for a map of the city.

Correct!

The correct answer is: receptionist

Related Grammar Rules

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free