Read (verb)
- To interpret written or printed matter: The act of looking at and understanding the meaning of letters, words, or symbols.
- Example: “She loves to read novels in her free time.”
- To examine and interpret a display or instrument: The process of observing information, such as data, numbers, or symbols, and understanding their meaning.
- Example: “He read the temperature on the thermostat.”
- To study or peruse a particular subject or text: Engaging with material in a focused and critical manner to gain knowledge or understanding.
- Example: “She spent the afternoon reading about quantum physics.”
- To pronounce or speak aloud written words: Reciting text or speech from a written source.
- Example: “The teacher asked him to read a passage from the book aloud.”
- To understand or interpret in a particular way: Decoding meaning or implications from words, gestures, or situations.
- Example: “You could read his expression as one of disappointment.”
Related Forms:
- Readable (adjective): Capable of being read easily or with comprehension.
- Reader (noun): A person who reads or a device used for reading information.
Different Uses of ‘Read’ in Context:
- Literal Reading: “He read the newspaper every morning.”
- Interpreting Data: “The technician read the diagnostic report carefully.”
- Understanding Beyond the Text: “You can read between the lines to find the hidden message.”
The word “read” functions both in the present tense (I read the book) and the past tense (Yesterday, I read the report), though the pronunciation differs in each case.