Right verb(s) to welcome the guests at the door

Question

When we have guests at the door, we welcome them. Which verb can show this action more properly, greet or receive?

Say:

I greet Mr. X and his family at the door.

Or

I receive Mr.X and his family at the door.

Which sentence looks more proper? Or Can we use both of them interchangeably?

You could greet or welcome guests in an informal setting. Receive is usually reserved for very formal occasions like weddings or funerals. — Jason Patterson, Sep 22 '15 at 1:24
Thank you very much! Now I know welcome is also a verb, and proper words for formal and informal words. — Superuser, Sep 22 '15 at 3:40
If anyone feels like writing this up as a proper answer, you're welcome to do so. :-) I just didn't feel comfortable leaving that short a message as an answer, and I don't have time for a longer version. I'm glad it was helpful superuser. — Jason Patterson, Sep 22 '15 at 22:42

G. Ann - SonarSource Team · Accepted Answer · 2015-10-01 11:59:38Z

3

'Receive' is terribly formal and is used/seen only in the context of weddings, and state occasions.

In general, people 'greet' or 'welcome' guests.

answered Oct 1 '15 at 11:59

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