recevrait

Recevrait is the third-person singular form of the French verb recevoir in the conditionnel présent. It expresses hypothetical or polite action in the present or near future, often in a conditional clause or in reported speech. In everyday usage, it corresponds to English would receive.

Morphology and conjugation

The verb recevoir belongs to a group of verbs with an irregular stem in the conditional present. In the conditionnel présent, the stem becomes recevr- and is combined with the standard endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient. Thus forms include je recevrais, tu recevrais, il recevrait, nous recevrions, vous recevriez, ils recevraient. The form recevrait specifically denotes il/elle/on would receive. Note the distinction from the imperfect form recevoir: nous recevions, vous receviez, etc.

Etymology and meaning

Recevoir derives from Latin recipere, meaning to take back, to obtain, or to welcome. In modern French, recevoir covers senses such as to receive someone (host), to obtain a service or object, or to be given something. The conditional form recibit–like recevrait—is used to discuss hypothetical outcomes or polite requests.

Usage notes

- Hypothetical: Si elle avait plus de temps, elle recevrait des visiteurs. (If she had more time, she would receive visitors.)

- Polite or indirect statements: Il recevrait votre message dès que possible. (He would receive your message as soon as possible.)

- Distinction from other moods: the conditionnel présent contrasts with the indicatif present (il reçoit) and the conditionnel passé (il aurait reçu).

See also

Recevoir, conditionnel présent, French verbs with irregular stems.