reading
/ˈriːdɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [rˈidɪŋ] /ˈriːdɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [rˈidɪŋ] /ˈrē-diŋ/ (ame, mw)
reading — noun
- readingsingular
- readingsplural
1. the activity of looking at written words and understanding their meaning, especi
the activity of looking at written words and understanding their meaning, especially as a skill or a regular hobby
Hannah spends most of her free time doing light reading before bed.
collocation: light reading
The school placed a strong emphasis on reading and writing from an early age.
Faisal's English has improved a lot through wide reading of novels and news articles.
A comfortable chair and good lighting make reading much more enjoyable.
用法筆記
Uncountable in this sense — you say 'I enjoy reading', not 'a reading'.
常見錯誤
2. an event where a piece of writing, especially a poem or a passage from a book, i
an event where a piece of writing, especially a poem or a passage from a book, is read aloud to an audience
The poet gave a moving reading of her latest work at the Manchester literature festival.
give + a reading
Ada signed up for the open-mic poetry reading at the local café next Thursday.
Eleni attended a dramatic reading of the play in Birmingham last month.
Defne’s short story was chosen for a reading at the library open day.
- recital
often refers to a musical performance or a poetry-reading event
- performance
broader term; a reading is one type of performance
3. a particular way of understanding or explaining a written text, a situation, or
a particular way of understanding or explaining a written text, a situation, or a set of events
The critic offered a fresh reading of the novel that focused on its environmental themes.
offered a reading of [text]
My reading of the situation is that both sides want to avoid a long dispute.
my reading of [situation/event]
There are several possible readings of the data, and we should not jump to conclusions.
Sirin found a Marxist reading of the poem especially convincing during her seminar.
- interpretation
almost identical to this sense; 'reading' often carries a slightly more subjective tone
- version
emphasises a particular account or perspective on events
- understanding
broader; can refer to general comprehension rather than a specific viewpoint
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of + [text/situation/event]'. The adjective 'personal' is common: 'my personal reading of the facts'.
常見錯誤
4. one of the formal stages in a parliament where a proposed new law is discussed a
one of the formal stages in a parliament where a proposed new law is discussed and considered before it can be approved
The bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons by a narrow majority.
second reading / first reading / third reading
Heloísa watched the first reading of the housing bill from the public gallery.
Élise explained that the education bill would face its third reading next month.
Opposition MPs forced a vote during the second reading of the transport bill.
用法筆記
Countable and typically used with an ordinal number (first, second, third reading). This usage is primarily British — other parliaments may use different terms for similar procedures.
5. the number or value shown on a measuring instrument such as a thermometer, a met
the number or value shown on a measuring instrument such as a thermometer, a meter, or a gauge
The temperature reading on the thermometer reached a record 39 degrees in London.
temperature reading / [instrument] reading
Rachid checked the gas meter reading before submitting it to the utility company.
The mechanic took a reading from the engine diagnostic tool to find the fault.
Yuna noted that the readings had been steady all week, which was a good sign.
- measurement
the process of measuring; a 'reading' is the specific result shown at one moment
- figure
less technical; any displayed number
- indication
formal; what the instrument tells you
6. written texts or publications that people read or that are suggested for a parti
written texts or publications that people read or that are suggested for a particular purpose
The teacher gave us a list of recommended reading before the start of term.
recommended reading
Maeve packed some light reading for the train journey to Edinburgh.
collocation: light reading
This textbook is essential reading for anyone studying modern British history.
Gabriela grabbed a stack of holiday reading from the airport bookshop.
- texts
broader term; includes any written content, not necessarily intended for reading enjoyment
- literature
more formal; often refers to scholarly or artistic writing
用法筆記
Uncountable here — you say 'some reading', not 'a reading', when referring to material rather than an event. Countable when referring to a specific text ('a reading from Shakespeare').
7. a brief passage taken from a holy book and read aloud during a worship service
a brief passage taken from a holy book and read aloud during a worship service
The vicar chose a reading from the Gospel of John for the Sunday service.
a reading from [holy text]
Heather's grandmother always did the Bible reading at the family Christmas gathering.
Each morning service begins with two readings from the Old and New Testaments.
The imam led the congregation through a reading from the Quran during evening prayer.
用法筆記
Countable: 'a reading', 'two readings'. Often followed by 'from' (a reading from the Quran / the Torah / the Bible).