Meaning of cold read | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To infer characteristics of (a person) using cold reading.
   transitive
2. To make inferences about a person using the practice of cold reading.
   intransitive
3. To perform (a script) without preparation.
   intransitive, transitive

Examples

“A few years ago Mort had barely been able to crawl out of his bottle long enough to cold-read credulous idiots into believing he could speak⟳ to their dead loved ones.”

“Select⟳ the person you will "cold read⟳" ahead of time if possible. The more time you have⟳ to learn⟳ about your subject, the better.”

“Fortune-tellers were derided as swindlers, their so-called services little better than a form⟳ of larceny. Incredulous journalists accused clairvoyants of faking their skills by cold-reading customers or surreptitiously monitoring local gossip that would help⟳ impress⟳ clients”

“In spiritualism research⟳, feedback is often used — this can be interpreted as giving the medium the chance to 'cold read⟳'. However, feedback may be necessary […]”

“At the audition you will be required to cold read⟳ a script.”

CEFR level