Reading lips refers to the ability to interpret spoken words through observing a speaker's lip movements and other facial expressions. Some synonyms for "read lips" include "lip-reading," "speech-reading," or "visual speech perception." These terms are often used interchangeably to describe the same skill. Lip-reading is often used in situations where audio cues are not sufficient for communication, such as in noisy environments or for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is a valuable communication tool used to facilitate conversational interactions and ensure that everyone is able to engage in conversations regardless of their hearing abilities.