1 B1 neutral
To read a measurement or value directly from a scale, instrument, or display.
"The technician read off the pressure reading and entered it into the log."
separable
read off
B1 neutral separable transitive
To read a value, measurement, or piece of data directly from a gauge, screen, or list.
In plain English
To look at a number or value on a machine or list and say it out loud.
What does "read off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To read items one by one from a list, typically aloud.
"The teacher read off the names of students who had passed the exam."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To read something by taking the information off (away from) a surface or display.
Actually means
To look at a number or value on a machine or list and say it out loud.
Usage tip
Common in technical, scientific, and practical contexts. Often used when someone is looking at an instrument or display and reporting what they see. Can also mean to read items from a list one by one.
Words that pair with "read off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
temperature reading value measurement scale gauge names
How to conjugate "read off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
read off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
reads off
he/she/it
Past simple
read off
yesterday
Past participle
read off
have + pp
-ing form
reading off
continuous
Hear "read off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "read off"
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