diff --git a/docs/api.md b/docs/api.md
index 95866c2..f8ae38a 100644
--- a/docs/api.md
+++ b/docs/api.md
@@ -118,7 +118,9 @@ void loop() {}
 
 ### `read()`
 
-Read the current angle of the servo (the value passed to the last call to [write()](#write)).
+Read the current setpoint of the servo (the angle passed to the last call to [write()](#write)).
+
+Note that the servo has no way of reporting its current physical orientation. This method returns the angle to which the sketch program has requested the servo to move, regardless of whether the servo has already reached that angle.
 
 #### Syntax
 
@@ -132,7 +134,7 @@ servo.read()
 
 #### Returns
 
-The angle of the servo, from 0 to 180 degrees.
+The setpoint of the servo, as an angle from 0 to 180 degrees.
 
 #### See also