second reading: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Political/Parliamentary
Quick answer
What does “second reading” mean?
A stage in a legislative process where a proposed bill is debated and may be amended before proceeding to the next stage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stage in a legislative process where a proposed bill is debated and may be amended before proceeding to the next stage.
1. The act of reading a text for a second time, often with greater understanding. 2. (Figuratively) A re-evaluation or reconsideration of an idea, situation, or piece of information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The procedural term is used identically in the UK and US political contexts. Figurative use is more established in UK academic/literary circles.
Connotations
In procedural use, connotes official debate and scrutiny. In figurative use, connotes deeper analysis and insight.
Frequency
Much more frequent in the UK, especially in news media, due to the centrality of parliamentary procedure. In the US, the term is understood but 'floor debate' or 'committee stage' might be more common descriptors.
Grammar
How to Use “second reading” in a Sentence
The [bill] underwent its second reading.[Parliament/Congress] debated the bill at second reading.The government secured the bill's passage at second reading.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second reading” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Lords will second-read the bill next Tuesday.
- I need to second-read that proposal more carefully.
American English
- The committee will give the bill a second reading on Thursday.
- I had to second-read the instructions to fully grasp them.
adverb
British English
- The amendment was agreed second-reading.
American English
- He reviewed the document second-reading, catching several errors.
adjective
British English
- The second-reading debate was highly contentious.
- This is a second-reading copy, full of annotations.
American English
- The second-reading stage is crucial for amendments.
- Her second-reading notes completely changed my interpretation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in formal reviews: "The contract clauses required a second reading."
Academic
Common (figurative). "Marx's later work invites a second reading in light of recent events."
Everyday
Uncommon. "I gave the recipe a second reading to be sure."
Technical
Specific to political science and legislative procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second reading”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second reading”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second reading”
- Using it to mean 'reading a second book' (e.g., 'I'm on my second reading of the day' is incorrect for this term).
- Using it without 'the' in procedural context (e.g., 'The bill passed second reading' should be '...passed *its* second reading' or '...passed *the* second reading').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its primary technical meaning is parliamentary, it is commonly used figuratively in academic and everyday language to mean a more thoughtful re-examination of any text or idea.
In the UK Parliament, it is typically preceded by the First Reading (formal introduction) and followed by the Committee Stage (detailed, line-by-line scrutiny).
Yes. If the vote at the end of the second reading debate is lost, the bill proceeds no further, which is a significant defeat for the government or member proposing it.
'Second reading' implies a purposeful, critical re-engagement to gain a deeper or different understanding. 'Rereading' can be a simple repetition for memory or pleasure without the connotation of analytical depth.
A stage in a legislative process where a proposed bill is debated and may be amended before proceeding to the next stage.
Second reading is usually formal, political/parliamentary in register.
Second reading: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈriː.dɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈriː.dɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It makes more sense on a second reading.”
- “The report deserves a second reading.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a book: FIRST READING for the plot, SECOND READING to understand the author's deeper message. In lawmaking, it's the second major discussion to refine the 'message' of the bill.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEGISLATION IS A TEXT (to be read, debated, and amended). UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING (a second look provides clearer vision).
Practice
Quiz
In a parliamentary context, what is the main purpose of a 'second reading'?