read off

To say written items aloud, usually one after another from a list.

• Please read off the names.
• She read the numbers off slowly so I could write them down.
• Can you read off the next three items?

How to use it: read something off (She read the names off one by one.); read something off something (He read the prices off a printed list.)

Similar words: read out, recite

Common phrases: read off something, read off the names

To find a number by looking at a scale, instrument, or chart.

• Read off the temperature, please.
• She read off the pressure shown on the gauge.
• Can you read the value off this graph?

How to use it: read something off something (You can read the temperature off the display.)

Similar words: read, measure

Common phrases: read off something, read off the temperature

To speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong.

• The boss read him off.
• She read the boys off for breaking the window.
• Did your father read you off when you arrived late?

How to use it: read someone off (His father read him off for leaving the gate open.)

Similar words: scold, tell off, reprimand

Opposites: praise

Common phrases: read someone off, read off someone