The definition of well-received is as followed, according to the Collins English Dictionary
ADJECTIVE (well received when postpositive) having been greeted or reviewed with approval: his well-received books
However the term is used as an almost universal standard in China to say that something has been received successfully. For example
“This document has been well-received”
The original meaning is that someones work has been received successfully, for example to a crowd, or after a book launch.
As I see this more and more often, I begin to question if this is now correct? Language is always changing and evolving, and it is always influenced by external sources.
Now there are more non-native English speakers in the world than native english speakers who use English as a language of communication. Do I have any right to claim the correctness of English language just because I am a native English speaker?
If people are using the language themselves and understanding it well, are they not correct? and perhaps I am wrong.
Founder and CEO at China Admissions. Originally from UK🇬🇧, based in Beijing. Studied at Peking University & BLCU. Preparing for HSK 6. Hope we can help more talented international students have the same amazing experiences and opportunities that I have had
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