A "read" refers to the act of interpreting or understanding written material, such as books, articles, or online content. It can also describe the specific content being consumed, like a novel or a blog post. Reading is a fundamental skill that enhances knowledge, improves vocabulary, and fosters critical thinking. In the context of social media, a "read" can also mean the acknowledgment of a message or post, indicating that it has been seen by the recipient. This is often represented by features like "read receipts" in messaging apps, which show when a message has been opened by the other person.