readout
C1Technical, Formal
Definition
Meaning
A display or presentation of recorded data or information.
The process or act of retrieving and presenting information from a measuring instrument, computer, or other device; the information so presented; an official statement or summary of information.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun, though occasionally used as an adjective (e.g., 'readout device'). In computing and science contexts, it refers specifically to the visual or auditory output of data. Can also mean a formal briefing or summary of information (e.g., 'The general gave a readout of the mission').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'read-out' is often hyphenated. In American English, the solid form 'readout' is more common.
Connotations
Slightly more technical/concrete in US usage; can have a slightly more formal/organizational connotation in UK usage (e.g., 'give a read-out of the meeting').
Frequency
More frequent in American English, particularly in technical fields. The hyphenated form remains standard in many UK publications.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of N (readout of data)give/provide/issue a readout (to N)receive/get a readout (from N)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get a readout on (something/someone)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A formal summary of a meeting's conclusions or a project's status, often distributed to stakeholders.
Academic
The numerical or graphical data produced by a measuring instrument in an experiment.
Everyday
The numbers shown on a digital scale, thermometer, or car's fuel gauge.
Technical
The retrieval and presentation of data from a computer's memory, sensor, or scientific instrument.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The device has a digital read-out display.
American English
- The system requires a readout device.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The digital scale gives a clear readout of your weight.
- After the meeting, we received a readout with all the main decisions.
- The scientist monitored the real-time data readout from the satellite sensors.
- The diplomat provided a detailed readout of the confidential negotiations to her superiors.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You READ the numbers that come OUT of the machine. READ + OUT = READOUT.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A FLUID (data flows out for reading); UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING (a readout makes data visible).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'чтение вслух' (reading aloud).
- Do not confuse with 'report' in all contexts; 'readout' implies data directly from a source.
- The verb 'read out' (phrasal verb) is separate; 'readout' is a noun.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'readout' as a verb (incorrect: 'The computer will readout the results'; correct: 'The computer will give a readout of the results').
- Confusing 'readout' with 'read aloud'.
- Misspelling as 'read-out' in American contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'readout' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'readout' is the displayed or presented data itself, often digital and immediate. A 'printout' specifically refers to data that has been printed on paper.
No, 'readout' is a noun. The phrasal verb is 'read out' (e.g., 'She read out the names').
In modern American English, it is typically one word ('readout'). In British English, the hyphenated form ('read-out') is still common, though the solid form is gaining acceptance.
No. While its core meaning is machine/data output, it is also used metaphorically for human-delivered summaries, especially in formal, military, or diplomatic contexts (e.g., 'a readout of the summit').