Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense reads, present participle readingpronunciation note: The form read is pronounced (riːd) when it is the present tense, and (red) when it is the past tense and past participle.
1. verb
When you read something such as a book or article, you look at and understand the words that are written there.
Have you read this book? [VERB noun]
I read about it in the paper. [VERB + about]
He read through the pages slowly and carefully. [VERB + through]
It is nice to read that Dylan Thomas venerated the Welsh language. [VERB that]
She spends her days reading and watching television. [VERB]
Synonyms: scan, study, look at, refer to More Synonyms of read
Read is also a noun.
I settled down to have a good read.
2. verb
When you read a piece of writing to someone, you say the words aloud.
Jay reads poetry so beautifully. [VERB noun]
I like it when she reads to us. [VERB + to]
I sing to the boys or read them a story before tucking them in. [VERB noun noun]
Synonyms: recite, deliver, utter, declaim More Synonyms of read
3. verb
People who can read have the ability to look at and understand written words.
He couldn't read or write. [VERB]
He could read words at 18 months. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: understand, interpret, comprehend, construe More Synonyms of read
4. verb
If you can read music, you have the ability to look at and understand the symbols that are used inwritten music to represent musical sounds.
Later on I learned how to read music. [VERB noun]
5. verb
When a computer reads a file or a document, it takes information from a disk or tape.
[computing]
An update has left the program unable to read the files. [VERB noun]
6. verb [no cont]
You can use read when saying what is written on something or in something. For example, if a notice reads 'Entrance', the word 'Entrance' is written on it.
The sign on the bus read 'Private: Not In Service'. [VERB with quote]
Synonyms: register, show, record, display More Synonyms of read
7. verb
If you refer to how a piece of writing reads, you are referring to its style.
The book reads like a ballad. [VERB preposition/adverb]
It reads very awkwardly. [VERB preposition/adverb]
8. countable noun [adjective NOUN]
If you say that a book or magazine is a good read, you mean that it is very enjoyable to read.
His latest novel is a good read.
Synonyms: perusal, look (through), study, leaf (through) More Synonyms of read
9. verb
If something is read in a particular way, it is understood or interpreted in that way.
The play is being widely read as an allegory of imperialist conquest. [beVERB-ed + as]
South Africans were praying last night that he has read the situation correctly. [VERB noun adverb/preposition]
Now how do you read his remarks on that subject? [VERB noun adverb/preposition]
Synonyms: interpret, take, understand, explain More Synonyms of read
10. verb
If you read someone's mind or thoughts, you know exactly what they are thinking without them telling you.
As if he could read her thoughts, Benny said, 'You're free to go any time you like.' [VERB noun]
11. verb
If you can read someone or you can read their gestures, you can understand what they are thinking or feeling by the way they behave or the things they say.
If you have to work in a team you must learn to read people. [VERB noun]
Under the shaded light her expression was difficult to read. [VERB noun]
12. verb
If someone who is trying to talk to you with a radio transmitter says, 'Do you read me?', they are asking you if you can hear them.
Alpha-Bravo-Zulu 643 to Saltezar, do you read me? Over. [VERB noun]
We read you loud and clear. Over. [VERB noun]
13. verb
When you read a measuring device, you look at it to see what the figure or measurement on it is.
It is essential that you are able to read a thermometer. [VERB noun]
14. verb
If a measuring device reads a particular amount, it shows that amount.
Cook for 1-1¼ hours for medium, or until the meat thermometer reads 55°C. [VERB amount]
The fuel gauge reads below zero. [VERB amount]
15. verb
If you read a subject at university, you study it.
[British, formal]
She read French and German at Cambridge University. [VERB noun]
He is now reading for a maths degree at Surrey University. [VERB + for]
regional note: in AM, use major, study
Synonyms: study, take, major in [US] More Synonyms of read
16.
See to take something as read
17. See also reading
18. to read between the lines
Phrasal verbs:
See read into
See read out
See read up on
More Synonyms of read
read in British English1
(riːd)
verbWord forms: reads, reading or read (rɛd)
1.
to comprehend the meaning of (something written or printed) by looking at and interpreting the written or printed characters
2.
to be occupied in such an activity
he was reading all day
3. (whentr, often foll by out)
to look at, interpret, and speak aloud (something written or printed)
she read to us from the newspaper
4. (transitive)
to interpret the significance or meaning of through scrutiny and recognition
we read the sky and predicted rain
to read a map
5. (transitive)
to interpret or understand the meaning of (signs, characters, etc) other than by visual means
to read Braille
6. (transitive)
to have sufficient knowledge of (a language) to understand the written or printed word
do you read German?
7. (transitive)
to discover or make out the true nature or mood of
to read someone's mind
8.
to interpret or understand (something read) in a specified way, or (of something read)to convey a particular meaning or impression
I read this speech as satire
this book reads well
9. (transitive)
to adopt as a reading in a particular passage
for "boon" read "bone"
10. (intransitive)
to have or contain a certain form or wording
the sentence reads as follows
11.
to undertake a course of study in (a subject)
to read history
read for the bar
12. (intransitive)
to gain knowledge by reading
he read about the war
13. (transitive)
to register, indicate, or show
the meter reads 100
14. (transitive)
to bring or put into a specified condition by reading
to read a child to sleep
15. (transitive)
to hear and understand, esp when using a two-way radio
we are reading you loud and clear
16. computing
to obtain (data) from a storage device, such as magnetic tape
Compare write (sense 16)
17. (transitive)
to understand (written or printed music) by interpretation of the notes on the staff and to be able to reproduce the musical sounds represented by these notes
18. read a lesson
19. read between the lines
20. you wouldn't read about it
noun
21.
matter suitable for reading
this new book is a very good read
22.
the act of reading
Word origin
Old English rǣdan to advise, explain; related to Old Frisian rēda, Old High German rātan, Gothic garēdan
read in British English2
(rɛd)
verb
1. the past tense and past participle of read1
adjective
2.
having knowledge gained from books (esp in the phrases widely read, well-read)
3. take something as read
Read in American English
(rid)
Sir Herbert (Edward)1893-1968; Eng. art & literary critic
read in American English1
(rid)
verb transitiveWord forms: read (rɛd) or ˈreading (ˈridɪŋ)
1.
a.
to get the meaning of (something written, printed, embossed, etc.) by using the eyes, or for Braille, the finger tips, to interpret its characters or signs
b.
proofread
2.
to utter aloud (printed or written matter)
3.
to interpret movements of (the lips of a person speaking)
4.
to know (a language) well enough to interpret its written form
5.
a.
to understand the nature, significance, or thinking of as if by reading
to read a person's character in her face, to read someone's mind
b.
to ascribe (an underlying meaning or significance) to
with into
don't read anything into his straightforward reply
6.
a.
to interpret (signals, etc.)
b.
to interpret (dreams, omens, tea leaves, lines in the palm of a hand, etc.)
7.
to foretell (the future)
8.
to interpret or understand (a printed passage) as having a particular meaning
9.
to interpret (a musical composition) in a particular way, as in conducting
10.
to have or give as a reading in a certain passage
this edition reads “show,” not “shew”
11. British
to study, as at a university; esp., to major in
to read law
12.
to record and show; register
the thermometer reads 80°
13.
to put into a (specified) state by reading
to read a child to sleep
14. Slang
to hear and understand
I read you loud and clear
15. Computing
to access (data or a file) from (a disk, tape, etc.)
verb intransitive
16.
to read something written, printed, etc., as words, music, books, etc.
17.
to utter or repeat aloud the words of written or printed matter
18.
to learn by reading
with about or of
19.
to study
20.
to have or give a particular meaning when read
a poem that reads several ways
21.
to contain, or be drawn up in, certain words
the sentence reads as follows
22.
to admit of being read as specified
a story that reads well
noun
23.
an act of reading
a quick read of the headlines
24.
something for reading
a novel that's a good read
25. Chiefly British
a period of time spent reading
Idioms:
read out
read out of
read someone a lecture
read up (on)
Word origin
ME reden, to explain, hence to read < OE rædan, to counsel, interpret; akin to Ger raten, to counsel, advise < IE *rē-dh, *rə-dh < base *ar-, *(a)rē-, to join, fit > UNRESOLVED CROSS REF, arm1, L reri, to think, ratio, a reckoning
read in American English2
(rɛd)
verb transitive, verb intransitive
1. pt. & pp. of
read1
adjective
2.
having knowledge gotten from reading
she is widely read in American history
More idioms containing
read
read someone like a book
read between the lines
read my lips
read the riot act
read the runes
Examples of 'read' in a sentence
read
It is a rattling good read with excitement and suspense sustained to the last page.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Looks like he is reading the game well.
The Sun (2016)
He was recaptured and then taught fellow prisoners to read and write.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
What was the last book you read?
The Sun (2017)
He is a former flautist and choirboy who read music at college.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The moon visits the psychic sector of your chart to help you read minds and understand why people think as they do.
The Sun (2016)
Most of my ideas come from reading in-flight magazines.
The Sun (2016)
What was hilarious in 1999 now reads like something dashed off to pay the school fees.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He spoke to victims of abuse, he spoke to barristers and he read widely.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
One read: 'I have so much hatred towards you.
The Sun (2016)
It is also tremendously enjoyable to read.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
With all the serious news at the moment it was good to read something slightly comical.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
No one thought to ask whether she could read music.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The list reads like a rock music dictionary.
The Sun (2006)
The days of simply reading the riot act to an angry crowd are long gone.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Writers reading their own drafts are aware of audience.
Goshgarian, Gary Exploring language (6th edn) (1995)
Write an essay exploring the way you acquired reading and writing skills.
Goshgarian, Gary Exploring language (6th edn) (1995)
And she loves to read magazines and gossip with her carers.
The Sun (2012)
This is not a book to read if you want to sleep easy.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You can read minds and understand what a partner wants from you.
The Sun (2011)
You read something and you act on it.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This book is goodness made manifest and should be widely read.
Christianity Today (2000)
Not for anyone with the good sense to read a little farther down the letter.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But the book is still an enjoyable read.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
That is one reason why it would do us good to read him.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
He could neither read music nor play by ear.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
That is how most people read books like this.
Pete Cohen and Sten Cummins with Jennai Cox HABIT BUSTING: A 10-step plan that will change your life (2002)
He was incandescent with rage as he read the riot act to us in his office.
Frankie Dettori with Jonathan Powell FRANKIE: The Autobiography of Frankie Dettori (2004)
Perhaps if they had read the draft they might have taken a different view.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It's the differences in the way that the film is read and interpreted that are interesting.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
I politely refrained from suggesting that the ability to read and interpret a map is a skill worth preserving.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Printed on his cup she read 'I am a very important person '.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Quotations
Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digestBook of Common Prayer
In other languages
read
British English: read /riːd/ VERB
When you read something such as a book or article, you look at and understand the words that are written there.
Have you read this book?
I got into bed to have a good read.
American English: read
Arabic: يَقْرَأُ
Brazilian Portuguese: ler
Chinese: 阅读
Croatian: čitati
Czech: číst
Danish: læse
Dutch: lezen
European Spanish: leer
Finnish: lukea
French: lire
German: lesen
Greek: διαβάζω
Italian: leggere
Japanese: 読む
Korean: 읽다
Norwegian: lese
Polish: przeczytać
European Portuguese: ler
Romanian: a citi
Russian: читать
Latin American Spanish: leer
Swedish: läsa
Thai: อ่าน
Turkish: okumak
Ukrainian: читати
Vietnamese: đọc
All related terms of 'read'
copyread
to subedit
lipread
to understand spoken words by interpreting the movements of a speaker's lips without hearing the sounds made
speechread
to comprehend by speechreading
read in
to read ( data ) into a computer memory or storage device
read up
to acquire information about (a subject) by reading intensively
lip-read
If someone can lip-read , they are able to understand what someone else is saying by looking at the way the other person's lips move as they speak , without actually hearing any of the words.
read head
a part of a recording device that senses data on a carrier medium such as a disk or tape
read into
If you read a meaning into something, you think it is there although it may not actually be there.
read law
to study to become a lawyer
read-only
(of a file , document , etc) capable of being read , but not written or changed
read out
If you read out a piece of writing , you say it aloud.
skim-read
to read quickly and superficially, in order to pick up the important or significant details
well-read
A well-read person has read a lot of books and has learned a lot from them.
read-across
a correlation or relationship between two separate things
read music
Music is the pattern of sounds produced by people singing or playing instruments.
sight-read
Someone who can sight-read can play or sing music from a printed sheet the first time they see it, without practising it beforehand .
read history
History is a subject studied in schools, colleges, and universities that deals with events that have happened in the past .
read up on
If you read up on a subject , you read a lot about it so that you become informed about it.
thought-read
to read someone's mind or psychically know what someone's thoughts are
read my lips
said to tell someone to believe and trust what you are saying
read out of
to expel from (a political party, society , etc.) by public reading of dismissal
read up (on)
to become well informed (about) by reading
read a lesson
to censure or reprimand , esp in a long-winded manner
read the runes
to understand a situation in a particular way, and decide what is likely to happen
read an article
An article is a piece of writing that is published in a newspaper or magazine .
read an interview
An interview is a conversation in which a journalist puts questions to someone such as a famous person or politician .
read only memory
→ ROM
read the headlines
A headline is the title of a newspaper story , printed in large letters at the top of the story, especially on the front page .
read-write head
an electromagnet that can both read and write information on a magnetic medium such as magnetic tape or disk
read-write memory
a type of computer memory that you can write to as well as read from
read oneself in
to assume possession of a benefice by publicly reading the Thirty-nine Articles
proofread
When someone proofreads something such as a book or an article , they read it before it is published in order to find and mark mistakes that need to be corrected.
read the riot act
to angrily tell someone off for having done something stupid or wrong
to read sb's mind
If you can read someone's mind , you know what they are thinking without them saying anything.
have one's cards read
If you have your cards read , you have your fortune told by someone who uses playing cards or tarot cards to tell you about yourself and predict your future .
read between the lines
to understand what someone really means, or what is really happening in a situation, even though it is not stated openly
read someone a lecture
to scold or reprimand someone
read the riot act to
to command to stop doing something regarded as wrong , under threat of punishment
take something as read
to take something for granted as a fact; understand or presume
know (or read) like a book
to know well or fully
read someone like a book
to know exactly what someone is thinking and planning
read someone the riot act
If someone in authority reads you the riot act , they tell you that you will be punished unless you start behaving properly.
to read between the lines
If you read between the lines , you understand what someone really means, or what is really happening in a situation, even though it is not said openly.
to take something as read
If you take something as read , you accept it as true or right and therefore feel that it does not need to be discussed or proved .
you wouldn't read about it
an expression of dismay , disgust , or disbelief
read the riot act to someone
to warn or reprimand someone severely
erasable programmable read only memory
a read-only memory chip that can have its data erased by ultraviolet light and then be programmed with different data
speed reading
a method of reading faster than normal, esp by skimming
EPROM
erasable programmable read-only memory
Chinese translation of 'read'
read
(riːd)
Word forms:ptppread (rɛd)
vi
[person]阅(閱)读(讀) (yuèdú)
[piece of writing]读(讀)起来(來) (dú qǐlái)
vt
[book, newspaper etc]读(讀) (dú)
[music]看懂 (kàndǒng)
(= understand)[mood, thoughts]了解 (liǎojiě)
[meter, thermometer etc]识(識)读(讀) (shídú)
(= carry stated message)
[notice, sign]写(寫)着(著) (xiězhe)
[meter, thermometer etc]显(顯)示 (xiǎnshì)
(= study at university) (Brit) 攻读(讀) (gōngdú)
n
to have a read阅(閱)读(讀) (yuèdú)
to read sb's mind了解某人的想法 (liǎojiě mǒurén de xiǎngfǎ)
to take sth as read把某事当(當)做是不容置疑的 (bǎ mǒushì dàngzuò shì bù róng zhìyí de)
to read sth into sb's remarks从(從)某人的话(話)中读(讀)出某种(種)含义(義) (cóng mǒurén de huà zhōng dúchū mǒu zhǒng hányì)
it's a good read这(這)是本好的读(讀)物 (zhè shì běn hǎo de dúwù)
All related terms of 'read'
lip-read
唇(脣)读(讀) chúndú
read out
朗读(讀) lǎngdú
read over
细(細)读(讀) xìdú
read through
( quickly ) 浏(瀏)览(覽) liúlǎn
read up on
研读(讀) yándú
it's a good read
这(這)是本好的读(讀)物 zhè shì běn hǎo de dúwù
to have a read
阅(閱)读(讀) yuèdú
to walk/read on
继(繼)续(續)走/读(讀) jìxù zǒu/dú
to be widely read
博览(覽)群书(書) bó lǎn qún shū
to read sb's mind
了解某人的想法 liǎojiě mǒurén de xiǎngfǎ
to take sth as read
把某事当(當)做是不容置疑的 bǎ mǒushì dàngzuò shì bù róng zhìyí de