Audience

Definition

Audience is a noun that refers to a group of people who gather to watch, listen to, or read a performance, speech, or work of art. It can also refer to the intended readers, viewers, or listeners of a specific work or message.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɔdiəns/
• Respelling: AW-dee-uhns

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɔːdiəns/
• Respelling: AW-dee-uhns

The pronunciation of "audience" is similar in both American and British English, with minor differences in the first vowel sound.

Etymology

The word "audience" originates from the Latin word "audientia," meaning "a hearing" or "a listening," derived from "audire," which means "to hear." It entered English in the late Middle English period and came to signify those who gather to listen or watch a performance.

Derivatives

• Auditory (adjective)
• Audible (adjective)
• Audience-specific (adjective)
• Audition (noun)
• Auditorium (noun)

Synonyms

• Spectators
• Viewers
• Listeners

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "audience" is commonly used to refer to those who attend a performance, event, or speech, such as "The speaker captivated the audience with her story." It is also used to denote the target group for written, audio, or visual content.

Related Terms

• Spectator: A person who watches an event, especially a sports event.
• Reader: An individual who reads written content, often targeted by an author.
• Listener: A person who listens to audio content, such as music, podcasts, or speeches.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A group of people who watch, listen to, or read a performance or work: Refers to those physically present at a show or event.
  • Example: "The theater was packed with an enthusiastic audience."
• The target group for a particular message, piece of content, or product: Describes the intended viewers, readers, or listeners for a work or presentation.
  • Example: "The magazine targets a young adult audience."