Reading: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“–
Add to dictionary

reading

 

[ หˆriหdษชล‹ ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

book

The action or skill of reading written or printed matter silently or aloud.

Synonyms

interpretation, perusal, study.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
reading

General term for looking at and understanding written or printed text. Used for both leisure and academic purposes.

  • I'm reading a novel by Jane Austen.
  • She enjoys reading in her free time.
perusal

Careful examination or reading, often in detail. Can be used in formal contexts.

  • After a thorough perusal of the documents, the lawyer found the evidence.
  • The perusal of the contract took several hours.
study

Detailed and thorough examination or learning, often in an academic or research context.

  • He spent years on the study of ancient civilizations.
  • Her study of biology has led to new discoveries.
interpretation

Understanding or explaining the meaning of something. Commonly used in legal, artistic, or analytical contexts.

  • His interpretation of the law is very strict.
  • The painting has multiple interpretations.

Examples of usage

  • He was so engrossed in his reading that he didn't notice the time passing.
  • She had always loved reading since she was a child.
Context #2 | Noun

activity

The activity or occupation of reading books.

Synonyms

literacy, perusal, study.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
reading

General term for looking at and understanding written or printed material. Can be used in both casual and academic contexts.

  • I enjoy reading novels in my free time.
  • Reading the newspaper keeps me informed.
literacy

Refers to the ability to read and write; often used in discussions about education and skills development.

  • Improving literacy rates is crucial for economic development.
  • Programs aimed at adult literacy are essential.
perusal

A formal term for carefully reading or examining something, typically used in more professional or serious contexts.

  • The document is available for your perusal.
  • She handed him the report for his perusal.
study

Focuses on the detailed examination of a subject, usually for the purpose of learning or gaining deeper understanding. Often used in educational or scientific contexts.

  • She dedicated her evenings to the study of biology.
  • His study of ancient civilizations was well-regarded.

Examples of usage

  • He spends most of his free time on reading.
  • Reading is a great way to relax and unwind.
Context #3 | Verb

text

To look at and comprehend the meaning of (written or printed matter) by mentally interpreting the characters or symbols of which it is composed.

Synonyms

peruse, scan, study.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
reading

General activity of interpreting written text. It can be applied to various forms of text from books to articles.

  • I spent the afternoon reading a novel
  • She enjoys reading the newspaper every morning
peruse

Carefully and thoroughly examining or reading something. It is usually associated with paying close attention to detail.

  • He perused the contract before signing it
  • She perused the report to understand every detail
study

Detailed and focused reading or examination usually aimed at learning or understanding something deeply.

  • She studied for hours for her final exams
  • He studied the manual to repair the machine
scan

Looking over text quickly, often to find specific information or keywords.

  • He scanned the list for his name
  • She scanned the pages for important statistics

Examples of usage

  • She was reading a novel by her favorite author.
  • He spent the evening reading through old letters.

Translations

Translations of the word "reading" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น leitura

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคขเคผเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Lesen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ membaca

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‡ะธั‚ะฐะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ czytanie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ชญๆ›ธ (ใฉใใ—ใ‚‡)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท lecture

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ lectura

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท okuma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฝ๊ธฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ุฑุงุกุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ฤtenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ฤรญtanie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้˜…่ฏป (yรนdรบ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ branje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lestur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพา›ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒ˜แƒ—แƒฎแƒ•แƒ˜แƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ oxuma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ lectura

Etymology

The word 'reading' has its origins in the Old English word 'rรฆding', which meant the action of reading or perusing written or printed material. The term has evolved over time to encompass not just the act of deciphering text but also the broader concept of literacy and engagement with written works. Reading plays a crucial role in education, entertainment, and personal development, making it a fundamental aspect of human culture and communication.

See also: misread, misreading, nonreader, read, readable, reader, readers, readership, readily, ready.

Word Frequency Rank

At #767 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.