reads

Reads is the present tense third-person singular form of the verb read, used to describe the act of interpreting written or printed material. It refers to the cognitive process by which a reader decodes letters and words to derive meaning, information, or enjoyment. In English, phrases such as "she reads every morning" or "the text reads clearly" illustrate its usage; the past tense of read is spelled the same but pronounced differently (read, pronounced /rɛd/).

Common reading strategies include silent reading for comprehension, aloud reading to practice fluency, close reading to analyze structure and evidence, speed reading to increase intake, and skimming to grasp overall meaning.

Reading is a foundational skill in education and everyday life. Literacy, the ability to read and write, enables participation in society. Throughout history, reading materials have evolved from manuscripts to print to digital formats, and contemporary reading often occurs on screens, with considerations for accessibility, typography, and distractions.

In literary analysis, a text is said to "read" a certain way, meaning its apparent interpretation depends on context, reader background, and purpose. This concept underpins critical reading and textual interpretation.