read

to have such knowledge of (a language) as to be able to understand things written in it: to be able to read French.

to apprehend the meaning of (signs, characters, etc.) otherwise than with the eyes, as by means of the fingers: to read Braille.

to apprehend or interpret the meaning of (gestures, movements, signals, or the like): to read a semaphore;to read sign language.

to make out the character or significance of by scrutiny or observation: I read the cloudy sky as the threat of a storm.A fisherman should be skilled in reading a stream for potential pools.

to anticipate, expect, or calculate by observation: At the line of scrimmage, the quarterback read a blitz and called an audible.

to foresee, foretell, or predict: to read a person's fortune in tea leaves.

to make out the character, motivations, desires, etc., of (a person or persons), as by the interpretation of outward signs.

to interpret or attribute a meaning to (a written text), a musical composition, etc.): How do you read this clause in the contract?

to infer (something not expressed or directly indicated) from what is read, considered, or observed:He read an underlying sarcasm into her letter. In your silence I read agreement to my plan.

to adopt or give as a reading in a particular passage: For “one thousand” another version reads “ten thousand.”

to substitute or replace (a particular word or phrase) in a written text, usually to correct an error: Read “cavalry” for “calvary.”

to check (printers' proofs, copy, etc.) for errors; proofread.

to register or indicate, as a thermometer, clock, etc.

Computers. to obtain (data, programs, or control information) from an external storage medium or some other source and place in memory.

British. to study (a subject), as at a university: to read law.

to read the work of (an author): She is reading Kafka.

to learn by or as if by reading: to read a person's thoughts.

to hear and understand (a transmitted radio message or the person transmitting it); receive: I read you loud and clear.

to bring, put, etc., by reading: to read oneself to sleep.

to give one (a lecture or lesson) by way of admonition or rebuke.

to discover or explain the meaning of (a riddle, dream, etc.).

Slang.

to give a public reading or recital.

to inspect and apprehend the meaning of written or other signs or characters.

to occupy oneself seriously with reading or study.

to obtain knowledge or learn of something by reading.

to admit of being read, especially properly or well.

to have a certain wording.

to admit of being interpreted: a rule that reads in two different ways.

to register or indicate particular information, as the status or condition of something: Her blood pressure is reading a little low today.

to have an effect or make an impression; show forth: Those battle photographs read with great impact.

Computers. to read data, programs, or control information.

a male given name: from an Old English word meaning “red.”

(when tr , often foll by out) to look at, interpret, and speak aloud (something written or printed): he read to us from the Bible

(tr) to interpret the significance or meaning of through scrutiny and recognition: he read the sky and predicted rain; to read a map

(tr) to interpret or understand the meaning of (signs, characters, etc) other than by visual means: to read Braille

(tr) to have sufficient knowledge of (a language) to understand the written or printed word: do you read German?

(tr) to discover or make out the true nature or mood of: to read someone's mind

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

(tr) to adopt as a reading in a particular passage: for ``boon'' read ``bone''

(intr) to have or contain a certain form or wording: the sentence reads as follows

to undertake a course of study in (a subject): to read history; read for the bar

to gain knowledge by reading: he read about the war

(tr) to register, indicate, or show: the meter reads 100

(tr) to bring or put into a specified condition by reading: to read a child to sleep

(tr) to hear and understand, esp when using a two-way radio: we are reading you loud and clear

computing to obtain (data) from a storage device, such as magnetic tape: Compare write (def. 16)

(tr) 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

read a lesson or read a lecture informal to censure or reprimand, esp in a long-winded manner

read between the lines to perceive or deduce a meaning that is hidden or implied rather than being openly stated

you wouldn't read about it Australian informal an expression of dismay, disgust, or disbelief