read
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Read (verb) means to look at written words or symbols and understand their meaning. Example: “She read the letter twice before replying.”
verb
1
To look at written words or symbols and understand their meaning.
"She read the letter twice before replying."
"He can read music as well as play it."
"My little brother is learning to read simple words in his first year at school."
2
To say written words aloud.
"The teacher read the story to the class."
"Would you read the instructions out loud so everyone can hear them?"
"Every night, Dad reads a chapter to us before we go to sleep."
3
To study a subject, especially at university.
"She read history at Oxford."
"My cousin is reading medicine at a university in Scotland."
"He read law before deciding to become a teacher instead."
4
To interpret or judge a situation, person, or signal.
"He's hard to read; you never know what he's thinking."
"The goalkeeper read the striker's intentions and dived the right way."
"I read her silence as a sign that she was upset."
noun
1
A book, article, or other piece of writing, or an instance of reading it.
"This novel is a great summer read."
"Her new book is a quick, funny read for the train."
"I found that article a really interesting read over breakfast."
How to use read
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo take in and understand written words, or, more broadly, to work out what a person or situation means.
UK vs US
In British English, "read" a subject at university (e.g. "she read law"); Americans more often say "studied" or "majored in."
Common pairings
read a book
read between the lines
a good read
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Word forms
- Plural
- reads
- Third person singular
- reads
- Past tense
- readen, redd
- Archaic forms
- readest, readst, readeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the letter twice before replying.
Etymology
From Old English rǣdan, which originally meant "to advise" or "to interpret" before narrowing to mean "to interpret written text."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for read
See all rhymes for read →Frequently asked questions
What does “read” mean?
The word “read” means to look at written words or symbols and understand their meaning. In plain terms, to take in and understand written words, or, more broadly, to work out what a person or situation means.
How do you pronounce “read”?
“Read” is pronounced reed (/ɹid/ in IPA).
How do you use “read” in a sentence?
Here is “read” used in a sentence: “She read the letter twice before replying.”
What part of speech is “read”?
Depending on how it is used, “read” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “read” come from?
The word “read” comes from Old English. From Old English rǣdan, which originally meant "to advise" or "to interpret" before narrowing to mean "to interpret written text.".
Is “read” a common word?
“Read” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “read” have?
“Read” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to look at written words or symbols and understand their meaning.
What is the difference between reading and comprehension?
Reading is the act of recognising written words and taking in their meaning, while comprehension is specifically the understanding part. You can technically read words aloud, or decode them, without comprehending them, but true reading, as most people mean it, includes grasping what the text actually says.
What are the types of reading?
Common types include silent reading, reading aloud, skimming for the gist, scanning for a specific detail, and close reading for deep analysis. People also distinguish intensive reading, which studies a short text carefully, from extensive reading, which covers longer material for general understanding or pleasure.
Can reading be taught?
Yes. Reading is a learned skill, not an instinct, and is usually taught by linking letters to sounds through phonics, building vocabulary, and practising comprehension. Most people learn as children, but the skill can be developed at any age, and fluency improves steadily with regular practice.
Why is reading important?
Reading unlocks information, education, and communication. It lets you absorb ideas across time and distance, follow instructions, form opinions, and enjoy stories. Strong reading skills are linked to better learning across every subject, sharper vocabulary, and fuller participation in work and daily life.
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