reading
- 01 A1 Beginner
the activity or skill of understanding written words.
the cognitive process of decoding and interpreting written or printed language.
Simple“Reading is my favorite way to relax after a long day at work.”
In context“Early childhood educators emphasize that reading involves not just decoding sounds but also synthesizing meaning from context and syntax.”
Synonymsliteracyperusal - 02 B1 Intermediate
a number or value shown on a measuring instrument like a thermometer or clock.
the specific value or data point indicated by a measuring instrument or gauge.
Simple“The technician took a reading of the water pressure every hour.”
In context“The scientist noted that the temperature reading was slightly higher than expected, suggesting a possible calibration error in the digital sensor.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
an event where someone reads a book or poem out loud to an audience.
a public performance or recital of literature, poetry, or a dramatic script.
Simple“We went to a poetry reading at the local library last night.”
In context“The author's reading was followed by a brief question-and-answer session where she discussed the historical research behind her latest novel.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
a particular way of understanding or explaining a text or situation.
a specific interpretation or version of a text, or a particular understanding of a situation.
Simple“Her reading of the situation was quite different from mine.”
In context“Critics have argued that a feminist reading of the play reveals power dynamics that were previously ignored by traditional scholars.”
Synonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
one of the official stages a new law must pass through in a parliament.
one of the formal stages of debate and voting that a bill undergoes in a legislative body before it can become law.
Simple“The new education bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons.”
In context“During the third reading, several members of the opposition raised concerns regarding the financial implications of the proposed environmental regulations.”
- 06 B1 Intermediate
books, articles, or other things that are intended to be read.
material or literature intended for perusal.
Simple“I brought some light reading for the long train journey.”
In context“The professor provided a packet of required reading that covered the foundational theories of social psychology.”
Synonyms
Usage reading experience · reading a book · reading instruction
From Old English Rēadingas, the name of a tribe or clan of early Anglo-Saxon England whose capital was at Reading. Not related to reading.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.