gracious reception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gracious reception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a warm and welcoming response 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 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

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Shaw donated the play to the Shaw Society - a gesture more gracious than his reception of the news of the Society's formation, in 1941, when he told the founder, Dr. F. E. Lowenstein, to get along with it but not to bother him - and the Society asked Esme Percy to produce it at the Watergate.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

In addition to an acknowledgment at the reception, you could take the ultimate gracious step and ask the groom's parents to be co-hosts at the wedding with you.

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

The reception followed at the bride's large and gracious childhood home in Garrison.

The New York Times

So ambitious was this list that neither she nor I expected an exactly warm reception, although we worked together to make sure that her negotiation strategy was as gracious as possible.

Huffington Post

"They couldn't have been more gracious," he said, before adding that when he and his wife, Virginia, were married, in 1965, the reception, at the St . Regis Hotel was gate-crashed, in a welcome way, by Salvador Dali, as perhaps all weddings were in 1965.

The New Yorker

Those who remain, like Mateo, are waiting to see how their reception in this former Ku Klux Klan stronghold -- always a complex mixture of suspicion and indifference, hostility and gracious welcome -- might change as the illegal immigration crackdown intensifies across the South.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gracious reception" to describe welcomes that are not only warm but also characterized by elegance, politeness, and a high degree of courtesy. This phrase is particularly effective in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "gracious reception" in casual or informal settings. A more straightforward phrase like "warm welcome" is typically more appropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gracious reception" functions as a noun phrase, where "gracious" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "reception". It is used to describe the quality or nature of the welcome received. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gracious reception" is a phrase used to describe a warm, polite, and elegant welcome, primarily in formal or professional contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While less common than alternatives like "warm welcome", "gracious reception" emphasizes the elegance and courtesy of the greeting. It's most frequently found in news and media sources and is best used when describing situations where etiquette and refined manners are important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Warm welcome

Focuses on the friendly aspect of the greeting, omitting the formality.

Cordial greeting

Emphasizes politeness and courtesy in the welcome.

Hospitable welcome

Highlights the generosity and warmth of the host.

Affable reception

Indicates a friendly and easy-to-approach welcome.

Kind welcome

Stresses the benevolence and goodwill of the greeting.

Pleasant reception

Focuses on the enjoyable and agreeable nature of the welcome.

Polite greeting

Highlights the etiquette and good manners displayed.

Elegant reception

Indicates a sophisticated and refined welcome.

Charming reception

Emphasizes the delightful and captivating aspect of the welcome.

Friendly greeting

A simple and direct way to express a positive welcome.

FAQs

How to use "gracious reception" in a sentence?

You can use "gracious reception" to describe a warm and polite welcome, like in the sentence: "The diplomat received a "gracious reception" from the foreign dignitaries."

What can I say instead of "gracious reception"?

You can use alternatives like "warm welcome", "cordial greeting", or "hospitable welcome" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "gracious reception"?

The phrase "gracious reception" is best used in formal or professional settings to describe a welcome that is not only friendly but also elegant and polite. It implies a high level of courtesy and attention to etiquette.

What's the difference between "gracious reception" and "warm welcome"?

"Gracious reception" implies a higher degree of formality and elegance, while "warm welcome" is more general and can be used in a broader range of contexts. A ""gracious reception"" suggests attention to etiquette and a refined manner of greeting.