word
Close reading
KLOHS REE-ding
/kloʊs ˈriːdɪŋ/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
closereading
Dictionary meaning
The disciplined, careful analysis of a short passage or poem paying meticulous attention to diction, syntax, tone, imagery, and form; a foundational method of New Criticism associated with I. A. Richards and F. R. Leavis.
Examples
- A close reading of the poem's final stanza reveals layers of irony invisible to a casual reading.
Learn one new pronunciation a day
Get a word, name or idiom like “Close reading” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.
Something wrong? Suggest a correction