a gracious reception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gracious reception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a warm and welcoming greeting or welcome given to someone, often in a formal or polite context. Example: "The guests were met with a gracious reception at the gala, making them feel valued and appreciated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In one of the first of many "All Hands" emails, Mulvaney praised his new employees for a gracious reception.

The Washington Post

Dr. Albright was given a gracious reception and spent six hours in constructive talks with Kim Jong Il, the North Korean leader.

The New York Times

On the Monday evening prior, the society hosts a gracious reception at the home of a Decorative Arts Society member welcoming the invited guest lecturer to meet the DARTS crowd.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Asked about this in an interview yesterday, Mr. Baron said, "I got a very gracious reception from the people on the staff and I appreciated that.

The New York Times

Despite a warm, gracious reception by students, faculty, community members and even the University President, there was deep concern about the economy and the ability to earn a living wage.

Huffington Post

Miranda appeared onstage next to a cover band, once again expressing his profound thanks to those who brought "Hamilton" to Puerto Rico a well as to island citizens for their gracious reception.

Los Angeles Times

Before a 50,000-strong crowd he instead thanked Medvedev for the "gracious" reception he had received.

The Guardian

Your gracious reception and gentle inquisitions brought welcome relief.

Princeton University

A meeting place for faculty, students, alumni and University guests, the rooms have provided a gracious environment for receptions and seminars.

Duke University

Then, you can comfortably go back to your Plan A, and work on a gracious speech for the reception.

The New York Times

Back in 1915, the original apartment would have been listed as a five-bedroom that came with a 20-by-30-foot 20-by-30-foot 20-by-30-foot 20-by-30-footng windowed galiving a roomption room, two pantries, a servants' hall and five servants' rooms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a gracious reception" to describe a formal or polite welcome where the hosts are particularly welcoming and attentive. It suggests a higher level of hospitality than a simple 'welcome'.

Common error

Avoid using "a gracious reception" in informal settings or when describing a routine welcome. The phrase implies a certain level of formality and attentiveness that may not be present in casual situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gracious reception" functions as a noun phrase, where 'gracious' is an adjective modifying the noun 'reception'. It describes the quality or nature of the reception. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gracious reception" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, primarily employed to depict a warm, polite, and attentive welcome. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is fitting for formal or semi-formal contexts, where the hosts exhibit exceptional hospitality. While synonyms like "a warm welcome" or "a cordial greeting" exist, "a gracious reception" emphasizes a higher degree of courtesy. Its presence is more frequently observed in News & Media and Academia sources, suggesting a versatile, yet refined usage. To avoid misuse, the phrase should not be used in situations lacking the expected formality or attentiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a warm welcome

Replaces "gracious" with "warm", focusing on the feeling of the welcome.

a cordial greeting

Uses "cordial" to emphasize the sincerity and friendliness of the greeting.

a hospitable welcome

Highlights the generosity and kindness of the reception.

a polite greeting

Focuses on the courteous aspect of the welcome.

a courteous reception

Similar to "polite greeting", but emphasizes the formal aspect of the reception.

an affable reception

Emphasizes the friendliness and approachability of the welcome.

a kind welcome

Highlights the benevolence of the reception.

a friendly greeting

Focuses on the general warmth and amiability of the welcome.

a benevolent reception

Emphasizes the well-wishing aspect of the welcome.

an amicable welcome

Highlights the spirit of friendship and goodwill in the reception.

FAQs

How can I use "a gracious reception" in a sentence?

You can use "a gracious reception" to describe a warm and polite welcome, such as, "The ambassador received "a gracious reception" upon arriving at the conference."

What are some alternatives to saying "a gracious reception"?

Alternatives include "a warm welcome", "a cordial greeting", or "a hospitable welcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a gracious reception"?

It's suitable for formal or semi-formal occasions where the hosts go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and valued. For example, describing how a diplomat was received, or how new employees were treated.

What distinguishes "a gracious reception" from a typical welcome?

"A gracious reception" implies a higher degree of courtesy, attentiveness, and warmth than a standard welcome. It suggests that the hosts are particularly pleased to receive the guests and are making a special effort to ensure their comfort and satisfaction.