proof-reader

A proof-reader carefully checks a manuscript for errors.

Definition

Noun: A proof-reader is a person who reads and corrects proofs (trial printings of text) before final publication, checking for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting.

Usage Examples

• (A person who reviews printed text for mistakes.)
• (Her job involved correcting errors in the proof copy.)
• (The person responsible for correcting proofs used a pen to indicate changes.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act as a proof-reader": to perform the role of checking proofs.

  • He acted as a proof-reader for the company's annual report. (He temporarily took on the task of reviewing the printed draft.)

• "proof-reader's marks": standard symbols used by proof-readers to indicate corrections.

  • The editor recognized the proof-reader's marks on the margin of the page. (The symbols used to denote changes were visible.)

Variants and Related Words

• Proof-read (verb): to read and correct proofs.

  • She needs to proof-read the final draft before submission. (She must check the text for errors.)

• Proof-reading (noun/gerund): the act of reading proofs.

  • Proof-reading requires a keen eye for detail. (The activity of checking printed text demands careful attention.)

• Proof (noun): a trial printing of text used for checking.

  • The author reviewed the proof before approving the print run. (The preliminary version of the document.)

Synonyms

• Copy-editor: a person who edits and corrects written material for publication, often overlapping with proof-reading duties.
• Corrector: someone who identifies and fixes errors in text.

Related Idioms

• "Read between the lines": to find a hidden meaning, not directly related to proof-reading but useful for understanding nuanced text.

  • A good proof-reader must sometimes read between the lines to catch subtle errors. (They must infer meaning to spot mistakes.)

• "Dot the i's and cross the t's": to pay attention to every small detail, as a proof-reader does.

  • The proof-reader was meticulous, always dotting the i's and crossing the t's. (She checked even the smallest elements of the text.)