Lire (en. Read)

/liʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Become acquainted with a written text by interpreting its words and phrases.

I am reading an exciting book on art history.

Je lis un livre passionnant sur l'histoire de l'art.

Interpret aloud a written text.

The teacher read a poem in front of the class.

Le professeur a lu un poème devant la classe.

Understand or interpret signs or symbols, including beyond words.

He was able to read the emotions on her face.

Il a su lire les émotions sur son visage.

From the Latin 'legere', which means 'to choose' or 'to read'.

read between the lines

Interpret an underlying message.

lire entre les lignes

read aloud

Read clearly so that others can hear.

lire à haute voix

read a book

Immerse oneself in a written work to understand its content.

lire un livre

reader

Person who reads.

lecteur

reading

Action or manner of reading.

lecture

literature

Production of written texts, especially fiction and poetry.

littérature

Devour a book

I devoured this novel in one day.

J'ai dévoré ce roman en une journée.

Chill with a book

This afternoon, I’m chilling with a good thriller.

Cet après-midi, je bulle avec un bon polar.