1. Literally, to learn, understand, or become knowledgeable about something as a result of reading where it lies within a piece of writing. I read a fantastic short story in this anthology the other day. A: "Where on earth did you learn that?" B: "I read it in a science magazine while I was waiting at the dentist's office."

2. To glean, ascertain, or interpret something that is hidden or inconspicuous within something else. I thought I could read something in the way she smiled at me yesterday. I wouldn't read anything sinister in what they wrote. It's just a normal business decision like any other.