receptive listener

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "receptive listener" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is open to hearing and understanding others' thoughts and feelings during a conversation. Example: "In order to foster effective communication, it is essential to be a receptive listener, allowing others to express their ideas without interruption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I was a very receptive listener.

The New Yorker

Still, he found a receptive listener in Olson, who had demurred when he was approached about defending Proposition 8 in the California Supreme Court.

The New Yorker

Note: A gut feeling finally becomes a hunch when it is transmuted into the form of clear, precise, verbal statements uttered aloud to a receptive listener — internal or external — who responds in kind.

The New Yorker

Their good fortune is to have found a receptive listener in Mr Benyon, a millionaire landowner with a 20,000-acre Berkshire estate and a strong sympathy for the shooting lobby.

Independent

But far from creating a barrier, the occasional flaws and documentary residue on the Fono recordings transport a receptive listener into the presence of artists long departed from the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Blair has in turn described Mr. Bush as a well-briefed, gracious and receptive listener, who this week heeded Mr. Blair's advice to expand the military coalition of European nations fighting the Taliban.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I suspect that listeners in 2017 like me after my week of excessive emotion will be highly receptive listeners, eager for any insights we can glean.

The New Yorker

And he elicited another round of applause by urging his receptive listeners -- Ithaca being a liberal outpost in a rural and generally conservative setting -- to continue opposing the war.

The New York Times

Jiri Pehe, another former adviser to Mr. Havel, said that compared with 2003, when he left office, the kind of corruption that he had railed against was now a major issue and in hard times his warnings about unchecked market forces were reaching more receptive listeners.

The New York Times

And if, in the coming years, robots and algorithms provide another big shock to the economy, destroying tens of millions more decent-paying jobs, how many former truck drivers and displaced white-collar workers will be receptive listeners to a future Trump?

The New Yorker

Early Childhood Educators are receptive listeners and offer encouragement and support by responding appropriately to the concerns and needs of children and families.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "receptive listener", ensure that the context highlights their openness and willingness to understand, rather than just passively hearing what is being said.

Common error

Avoid using "receptive listener" to simply mean someone who is quiet or passive during a conversation. The phrase implies active engagement and a willingness to understand, not just a lack of interruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "receptive listener" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing an individual who is not only capable of hearing but also willing to understand and consider new ideas. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in describing qualities of leaders and individuals open to different perspectives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "receptive listener" is a valuable descriptor for individuals who are not only attentive but also open to understanding different perspectives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker. While not as common as "good listener", "receptive listener" carries a nuanced meaning, emphasizing openness and understanding. It's important to differentiate it from simply being a passive listener, as it implies active engagement. Using this phrase can enhance your writing by adding depth and precision when describing someone's listening abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open-minded listener

Highlights the listener's willingness to consider different perspectives and ideas.

empathetic listener

Highlights the listener's ability to share and understand the speaker's emotions.

attentive listener

Focuses more on the listener's attentiveness and concentration.

responsive listener

Emphasizes the listener's active engagement and feedback.

understanding listener

Emphasizes the listener's ability to comprehend and empathize with the speaker's message.

sympathetic listener

Stresses the listener's compassion and ability to relate to the speaker's feelings.

perceptive listener

Focuses on the listener's keen awareness and insight.

good listener

A more general term for someone who listens well, without necessarily implying openness to new ideas.

patient listener

Emphasizes the listener's willingness to listen without interruption or judgment.

considerate listener

Focuses on the listener's thoughtfulness and respect for the speaker.

FAQs

How can I use "receptive listener" in a sentence?

You can use "receptive listener" to describe someone who is open and willing to understand others' viewpoints. For example, "To be a good leader, you must be a "receptive listener" who values different perspectives".

What are some alternatives to "receptive listener"?

Alternatives include "attentive listener", "understanding listener", or "open-minded listener", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be a "receptive listener" or just a good listener?

Being a "receptive listener" implies not only listening well but also being open and understanding, while a "good listener" might simply mean someone who pays attention. The best choice depends on the context.

What does it mean to have "receptive language"?

"Receptive language" refers to the ability to understand words and language, while being a "receptive listener" refers to a personality trait of being open and understanding when someone is speaking.