A Bill Gets Three Readings Before It Becomes Law
Reading is taking in written words, and also a measurement or an interpretation. In parliament it names the stages a bill passes through.
Reading is taking meaning from written words. The word also covers a figure shown by an instrument, an interpretation of a text, and the formal stages of a bill: first reading introduces it, second reading debates the principle, third reading approves the final version. The name survives from when bills really were read aloud.
- Taking in written words. *Reading for pleasure.*
- A measurement shown. *A meter reading.*
- An interpretation. *A generous reading of the rules.*
- A stage of a bill. *The second reading.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | reading | Wide reading. |
| Plural | readings | Meter readings. |
| Verb | read | Read the notice. |
| Past | read | She read it twice. |
| Person | reader | A slow reader. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Take a meter reading each month.Measurement.
- That is one reading of the clause.Interpretation.
- The bill passed its second reading.Parliament.
Kinds of reading
- Skimming — reading quickly for the gist
- Scanning — looking for one specific item
- Close reading — detailed analysis of a text
- Proofreading — checking for errors
- Sight-reading — performing music at first sight
From Old English *rædan*, to advise, interpret or read — a verb whose original sense was closer to counselling. German *raten* still means to advise, and English keeps that sense in *rede* and in *unready*.
Why does a bill have three readings?
From the practice of reading a bill aloud in the chamber at each stage, when few members had printed copies.
Why is the past tense spelled the same?
Because the vowel changed but the spelling did not. Read rhymes with reed in the present and with red in the past.