1 B2 idiomatic formal
(British English, formal) To study a particular subject at university as a degree course.
"She read for a degree in Modern Languages at Oxford before joining the diplomatic service."
inseparable
read for
B2 formal inseparable transitive
To study a subject at university (British English), or to audition for a theatrical role by reading lines.
In plain English
To study something at university, or to try out for a part in a play or film by reading the lines.
What does "read for" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To audition for a theatrical or film role by reading lines aloud for the director or casting team.
"He read for the lead role three times before the director finally cast him."
inseparable
Usage tip
The academic sense ('reading for a degree') is distinctly British and formal, rarely used in American English. The theatrical audition sense is widely used in both British and American contexts within the entertainment industry.
Words that pair with "read for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
degree law medicine part role bar
How to conjugate "read for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
read for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
reads for
he/she/it
Past simple
read for
yesterday
Past participle
read for
have + pp
-ing form
reading for
continuous
Hear "read for" in the wild
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Other ways to say "read for"
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