Proofreading: meaning, definitions and examples

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proofreading

[ˈpruːfrɪːdɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

writing

The process of checking a text for errors before it is published or shared. Proofreading involves correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting mistakes.

Synonyms

editing, revision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proofreading	Use when checking for minor errors in a final draft before it is published or submitted. After editing, the document goes through proofreading to catch any last-minute mistakes. She offers proofreading services for students' research papers.
editing	Use when making changes to a text to improve its content, structure, and style. This includes rewriting sections, correcting factual errors, and enhancing clarity. He is editing his novel to ensure the storyline flows smoothly. Her job involves editing academic papers for publication.
revision	Use when making substantial changes or improvements to the content, structure, or arguments of a text. This can include adding new information, deleting sections, or reorganizing the text. The author is working on a revision of his book to address the feedback received. Major revision of the report is required to improve the overall argument and support.

Word

Description / Examples

proofreading

Use when checking for minor errors in a final draft before it is published or submitted.

After editing, the document goes through proofreading to catch any last-minute mistakes.
She offers proofreading services for students' research papers.

editing

Use when making changes to a text to improve its content, structure, and style. This includes rewriting sections, correcting factual errors, and enhancing clarity.

He is editing his novel to ensure the storyline flows smoothly.
Her job involves editing academic papers for publication.

revision

Use when making substantial changes or improvements to the content, structure, or arguments of a text. This can include adding new information, deleting sections, or reorganizing the text.

The author is working on a revision of his book to address the feedback received.
Major revision of the report is required to improve the overall argument and support.

Examples of usage

I always do a thorough proofreading of my essays before submitting them.
She hired a professional proofreading service to review her novel.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

writing

To carefully read and correct errors in a text before it is published or shared. Proofreading requires attention to detail and a good understanding of language rules.

Synonyms

edit, review.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proofreading	See the first entry under 'proofreading'. Use this term as before. He spent hours proofreading his cover letter to ensure it was flawless Proofreading is an essential step before submitting the final document
edit	This term is broader and can refer to making changes to the content, structure, and overall quality of a text. It can include rewriting sections, adding or removing paragraphs, and improving the clarity and flow. She asked me to edit her essay to make it more concise and impactful I spent the weekend editing the manuscript to improve its readability
review	This term often implies a more general assessment of a text or work, where feedback and suggestions for improvement are provided. It may not be as detailed as editing or proofreading and can also refer to evaluating content for its overall quality. Her job is to review the reports and provide feedback to the authors The committee will review the applications and select the best candidates

Word

Description / Examples

proofreading

See the first entry under 'proofreading'. Use this term as before.

He spent hours proofreading his cover letter to ensure it was flawless
Proofreading is an essential step before submitting the final document

edit

This term is broader and can refer to making changes to the content, structure, and overall quality of a text. It can include rewriting sections, adding or removing paragraphs, and improving the clarity and flow.

She asked me to edit her essay to make it more concise and impactful
I spent the weekend editing the manuscript to improve its readability

review

This term often implies a more general assessment of a text or work, where feedback and suggestions for improvement are provided. It may not be as detailed as editing or proofreading and can also refer to evaluating content for its overall quality.

Her job is to review the reports and provide feedback to the authors
The committee will review the applications and select the best candidates

Examples of usage

Make sure you proofread your resume before sending it to potential employers.
The teacher proofread the students' essays to help improve their writing skills.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'proofread' comes from the 1800s, combining 'proof' (an early version of a written work) and 'read'.
Initially, proofreaders were tasked with checking typeset pages, ensuring accuracy before final printing.

Historical Origins

Proofreading has been an essential part of publishing since the invention of the printing press in the 15th century.
In the past, manuscripts were proofread by scribes, who meticulously checked for grammatical and spelling errors.

Literature

Many famous authors, such as Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway, advocated for thorough proofreading to enhance clarity in their work.
Proofreading is viewed as a vital skill in the writing process, often separating an amateur draft from a polished piece.

Technology

With the rise of digital documents, proofreading tools and software have become widely used, assisting writers in catching common errors.
Modern proofreading applications utilize AI to suggest corrections and improvements, making the process faster and more efficient.

Psychology

Research shows that taking breaks between writing and proofreading can lead to a better understanding of mistakes.
Proofreading activates different cognitive processes, helping individuals develop a more detailed focus on language.

Translations

Translations of the word "proofreading" in other languages:

🇵🇹 revisão

🇮🇳 प्रूफरीडिंग

🇩🇪 Korrekturlesen

🇮🇩 penyuntingan

🇺🇦 вичитка

🇵🇱 korekta

🇯🇵 校正 (こうせい)

🇫🇷 relecture

🇪🇸 corrección

🇹🇷 düzeltme

🇰🇷 교정 (gyojeong)

🇸🇦 مراجعة

🇨🇿 korektura

🇸🇰 korektúra

🇨🇳 校对 (jiàoduì)

🇸🇮 lektura

🇮🇸 prófarkales

🇰🇿 түзету

🇬🇪 სწორება

🇦🇿 korreksiya

🇲🇽 corrección