1. Reading a text: This is the most common meaning, referring to the act of looking at written or printed words and understanding their meaning.
* Example: I'm reading a book about history.
2. Reading a situation: This means interpreting the information you are presented with and understanding the implications.
* Example: The detective read the situation and knew the suspect was lying.
3. Reading a gauge or instrument: This refers to understanding the information displayed on a device like a thermometer, speedometer, or pressure gauge.
* Example: I read the thermometer and saw that I had a fever.
4. Reading a person: This means understanding someone's thoughts, feelings, and intentions through their behavior, expressions, and body language.
* Example: She was a good judge of character and could read people like an open book.
5. Reading a tarot deck or other divination tools: This refers to interpreting the meaning of symbols and cards in a ritualistic practice.
* Example: The tarot reader gave me a reading about my future.
6. Reading a code or cipher: This involves deciphering a message that has been encoded using a specific system.
* Example: The spy was tasked with reading the enemy's secret code.
To understand what "reading" means in a specific context, consider the words surrounding it and the general topic being discussed.