Read

/rɛd/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An act of reading; something that is read.
This book is a good read for anyone interested in science fiction.
A piece of written work or literature.
Her latest article is a fascinating read.
verb
To look at and comprehend the meaning of written or printed matter.
She loves to read novels on the weekends.
To interpret or understand something from evidence or signs.
He could read the tension in the room before the meeting started.
To perform the act of reading; to utter aloud the written words.
The teacher asked the students to read the text aloud.

Etymology

Old English 'rēdan', meaning 'to advise, counsel, interpret'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

read between the lines
To understand a deeper or hidden meaning.
read the room
To assess the mood or feelings of a group of people.
read up on
To study or gather information about a subject.
read the tea leaves
To make a prediction based on a situation.
read aloud
To vocalize written text for others to hear.

Related Words

reader
A person who reads or is reading.
reading
The action or skill of reading written or printed matter.
readable
Able to be read easily.

Slang Meanings

To understand or grasp something quickly.
I read him like a book and knew he was lying.
To criticize someone through comments or observations.
She totally read him for his bad fashion choices.
To assume or explain based on appearances.
Don't just read the surface of what he said.