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read · verb I or T /riːd/Full view
Nouns: read, reader, reading
Adjectives: readable, unreadable
Verbs: read
read (WORDS)
A1 to look at words and understand what they mean
Dictionary examples:

I've read three books this month.

I read about the family's success in the local paper.

I can't read his handwriting.

I read that there are plans to update the community swimming pool.

Some children can read by the age of four.

Learner example:

We read books and we use computers. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

read (SAY)
A2 to look at words that are written and say them aloud for other people to listen to
Dictionary examples:

Do you want me to read the directions to you?

I read him a story at bedtime.

She read her poem out loud.

Learner example:

Can you imagine anything more beautiful than [a] mother reading a bedtime story to her little baby? (First Certificate in English; B2; Czech)

read between the lines
C2 If you read between the lines, you understand what something really means when it hasn't been directly said or written.
Dictionary example:

Reading between the lines, it was obvious that something was wrong.

Learner example:

All songs send positive thoughts and messages to listeners, although sometimes you really have to read between the lines to understand this profound message. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

read out sth or read sth out
B2 to read something and say the words aloud so that other people can hear
Dictionary example:

He read out the names of all the winners.

Learner example:

Michael sat in his fav[or]ite chair while his wife read out what had happened. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

read over/through sth or read sth over/through
B2 to read something from the beginning to the end, especially to find mistakes
Dictionary example:

I read over my essay to check for errors.

Learner example:

I thought my eyes were deceiving me [so] I read the letter over again. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

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