easy
I read a story before bed.
What does Read mean?
To understand words, sentences, or stories by looking at them.
Dictionary definition
To read is to understand written symbols, say written words aloud, study or interpret information, or show a measurement. Read can also be a noun for something worth reading and an adjective meaning informed through reading.
Example sentences
Read in a sentence
medium
Read the directions before you start.
hard
Read each paragraph carefully before answering the question.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice read in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Read
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does read mean?
Read means to understand words, sentences, or stories by looking at them.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to read?
Study is close to read in this main meaning.
Practice 3
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: I ____ a story before bed.
Read best completes the sentence.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Read
Voice settings
Sounds like
REED (present); RED (past and past participle)
Listen, then repeat the word.
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
REED (present); RED (past and past participle)
Learn
WordRead.
Partverb.
MeaningRead means To understand words, sentences, or stories by looking at them.
ExampleExample: I read a story before bed.
Your turn
Say Read
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Coach
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced read.
Synonyms
Words like Read
studyUse when this word fits the same meaning in context.
understandUse when this word fits the same meaning in context.
Antonym review
Does Read have an opposite?
Read has no direct general antonym. Write is a related complementary activity and ignore is only a contextual contrast.
Synonym practice
Want to practice read synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Please read the sign by the gate," then compare close word choices. Practice read synonyms.
Word family
Read word family
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Read
Hint for students
To understand words, sentences, or stories by looking at them.
Common mix-up
Present read is pronounced REED, but past read is pronounced RED. Reading can also involve Braille, reading aloud, interpreting signs, or checking what an instrument shows.
Try it in class or at home
Sort sentences into present REED and past RED. Then add one sentence where read means interpret a sign or measurement rather than words on a page.
Teacher prompt
Compare 'I read every day' and 'Yesterday I read the book.' The spelling stays the same; what happens to the pronunciation and tense?
Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Read and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice READ” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice READ
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with READ
Explore · Spelling
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Vocabulary Match
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Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
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Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
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