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Recipient

ri-SIP-ee-unt /rɪˈsɪpiənt/

nounB2

generalformal

A person or thing that receives or is awarded something.

This term is neutral and simply denotes the receiver. In the context of philanthropy, it refers to the individual, group, or organization that benefits from a donation, grant, or other form of aid.

The story behind the word. The word 'recipient' comes from the Latin 'recipiens,' the present participle of 'recipere,' meaning 'to take back, to receive.' This root combines 're-' (back) and 'capere' (to take). It entered English in the 17th century, referring to someone or something that receives, and has maintained that core meaning.

Word relationships

Receiver: More general and less formal.
Beneficiary: Specifically someone who benefits from a will, trust, or insurance policy, or generally from an action.

Donor: One who gives.
Giver: One who gives.

Word family

receive (verb): To be given, presented with, or paid (something).
reception (noun): The action or process of receiving something.

Collocations

award recipient
grant recipient
transplant recipient
aid recipient
primary recipient

Example sentences

"She was the proud recipient of the prestigious scholarship, which would cover her tuition fees." Announcing an award winner.
"The aid package was designed to reach the most vulnerable recipients in the war-torn region." Discussing aid distribution.

Memory hook

The 'RECIPIENT' is the one who 'RECEIVES' the gift. The receiver

When not to use

While technically correct, 'recipient' might feel overly formal in very casual contexts where 'receiver' or 'one who got it' would suffice.

Fun facts

The word 'receipt' also shares the same Latin root 'recipere,' referring to the act of receiving or a document acknowledging receipt.
In medical contexts, 'recipient' is used for someone receiving an organ transplant or blood transfusion.