A1verb1K

Read

UK /["/riːd/","/riːdz/","/red/","/ˈriːdɪŋ/"]/US /["/riːd/","/riːdz/","/red/","/ˈriːdɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to look at and understand the meaning of written or printed words or symbols

In simple words: To look at and understand written words.

Examples

  • I like to read a book before I go to sleep.
  • Can you read the instructions for me?
  • He can read very fast, especially during exams.
  • She decided to read the newspaper every morning.
  • I love to read out loud to my little sister.

Usage notes

Use 'read' for both the action of looking at written text and discussing what someone has read. Appropriate in most situations, but avoid it in highly formal contexts without elaboration.

Grammar pattern

read + object

Memory hint

Think of 'read' like 'reed' in the river — a plant you can see while reading by the water.

Collocations

  • aloud
  • silently
  • carefully
  • be able to
  • can
  • learn to
  • about
  • from
  • in
  • read and write
  • read for fun
  • read for pleasure
  • aloud
  • silently
  • carefully
  • be able to
  • can
  • learn to
  • about
  • from
  • in
  • read and write
  • read for fun
  • read for pleasure
  • aloud
  • silently
  • carefully
  • be able to
  • can
  • learn to
  • about
  • from
  • in
  • read and write
  • read for fun
  • read for pleasure

Synonyms

  • interpret

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • overlook
  • skip

Common mistakes

  • Confusing past forms: 'read' pronounced as 'reed' in past tense instead of 'red'.
  • Using 'to read' without an object, forgetting that it usually requires what is read.
  • Incorrectly using 'read' when referring to looking at images instead of text.