Proofread Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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proofread

[ˈpruːfriːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

writing

To read and correct errors in written or printed material before it is published.

Synonyms

check, edit, revise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proofread	When you go over a draft to find and correct surface errors. Though it's the same as the first 'proofread', including it again emphasizes its specific role. I will proofread my resume to ensure it's error-free. Proofread your cover letter to make a good impression.
edit	When you need to make changes to the content, structure, or style of a text to improve its clarity, coherence, and overall quality. Editing involves more substantial changes than proofreading. The editor will edit the manuscript for publication. I have to edit this article to make it more engaging.
revise	When you make reconsiderations or modifications to the content of a text, looking at the bigger picture to improve the overall message and coherence. Revising can involve adding, removing, or reorganizing content. I need to revise my thesis after receiving feedback from my advisor. Let's revise the plan to include the new information.
check	When you need to verify the accuracy of information or ensure something meets specific requirements. This is a broader term that can apply to numbers, facts, or overall correctness. Please check the calculations in this budget proposal. I need to check if all the names are spelled correctly on the invitation list.

Examples of usage

Make sure to proofread your essay before submitting it.
I always proofread my emails before sending them out.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

writing

A thorough reading and examination of written or printed material to correct errors before publication.

Synonyms

checking, editing, revision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proofread	Carefully read a written text to find and correct any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Often done as a final review before publishing or submission. I need to proofread my essay before I submit it to my teacher. She asked her friend to proofread her resume to check for any mistakes.
editing	Making changes to a text to improve its content, structure, clarity, and style. This goes beyond just correcting errors; it involves refining and rewriting parts of the text. The author spent several weeks editing the manuscript to make the story more engaging. Her job involves editing articles to ensure they are well-written and informative.
revision	Reviewing and making substantial changes to a text to improve its content. This can involve rethinking major elements, making significant additions or deletions, and reorganizing the text. After receiving feedback from her professor, she started the revision of her thesis. The book went through multiple revisions before it was finally published.
checking	Reviewing a document or text to ensure it meets specific criteria or requirements. This can include checking for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to guidelines. Before submitting the report, Tom spent an hour checking all the figures and data. She is responsible for checking the quality of the translations.

Examples of usage

The proofread of the manuscript revealed several spelling mistakes.
She did a final proofread of the document before printing it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Famous authors like Ernest Hemingway and Mark Twain emphasized the importance of revision and proofreading for clear writing.
Many literary prizes require a polished manuscript to ensure that only the best work is considered.
Proofreading has been a critical step in the publishing process, influencing how literature is disseminated and read.

Technology

With the rise of digital writing tools, automated spelling and grammar checkers have become common, aiding the proofreading process.
However, software tools can miss nuanced errors that human proofreaders often catch, highlighting the importance of manual checking.
The evolution of online publishing has increased the demand for skilled proofreaders to maintain quality across various platforms.

Education

Teaching proofreading skills in schools helps students become more proficient writers and effective communicators.
Workshops often include peer reviewing, which is a form of proofreading where students learn to give and receive constructive feedback.
Different styles of writing, such as academic or creative, require tailored proofreading approaches due to their unique conventions.

Pop Culture

Popular movies about writers often showcase the proofreading phase, emphasizing its role in the creative process.
Comedic sketches frequently highlight how overlooked proofreading mistakes can lead to humorous misunderstandings.
Television shows sometimes feature characters as professional proofreaders, spotlighting the often unseen but important work they do.

Origin of 'proofread'

Main points about word origin

The word 'proofread' combines 'proof' meaning 'test' or 'verification' and 'read', indicating the act of reviewing text.
Historically, 'proof' referred to the preliminary printed version of a text, which was meant to spot errors before final printing.
The practice dates back to the invention of movable type by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, making accurate reading essential.

The word 'proofread' originated from the combination of 'proof', which refers to a trial print of a publication for errors, and 'read', meaning to examine written or printed material. The practice of proofreading has been essential in publishing for centuries, ensuring the accuracy and quality of written work before it reaches the audience.

See also: disproof, proof, proofreader, proofreading, reproof.