'proofreader' originates from the combination of 'proof' and 'reader', where 'proof' meant 'a trial impression of a page' and 'reader' referred to 'a person who reads'.

'proofreader' evolved from the practice of reading 'proofs' in the printing process to ensure accuracy before final printing.

Initially, it meant 'a person who reads proofs', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who reads text to find and correct errors'.