Audience Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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audience

[ˈɔːdiəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a theater

The assembled spectators or listeners at a public event, such as a play, movie, concert, or meeting.

Synonyms

attendees, spectators, viewers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
audience

Appropriate when referring to people who are listening or watching an event, typically in a formal setting like a theater, concert, or lecture.

  • The audience clapped loudly after the performance.
  • The speaker addressed the audience with confidence.
spectators

Used mainly for people who watch a sports event or outdoor activity.

  • The spectators cheered as the runner approached the finish line.
  • There were thousands of spectators at the football match.
viewers

Refers to people who watch television programs, movies, or online videos.

  • The show attracted millions of viewers on its first night.
  • The video has been watched by over a hundred thousand viewers.
attendees

Best used when referring to people who are present at an event, such as a meeting, conference, or workshop.

  • The conference had over 500 attendees this year.
  • Attendees must register by the end of the month.

Examples of usage

  • The audience applauded at the end of the performance.
  • The comedian interacted with the audience during the show.
Context #2 | Noun

in media

The people who watch, read, or listen to something.

Synonyms

listeners, readership, viewers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
audience

Used when referring to a group of people who are watching a play, movie, or listening to a speech or performance.

  • The audience applauded loudly after the performance.
  • She captured the audience's attention from the very beginning of her speech.
readership

Used to talk about the people who regularly read a particular newspaper, magazine, or online publication.

  • The magazine has a loyal readership of young professionals.
  • Our website's readership increased significantly this year.
listeners

Refers specifically to people who are listening, especially to a radio program, podcast or speech.

  • The radio show has over a million listeners each week.
  • He made sure to engage his listeners during the podcast.
viewers

Refers to people watching television, online videos, or streaming content.

  • Millions of viewers tuned in to watch the final episode of the series.
  • The live stream attracted over 10,000 viewers.

Examples of usage

  • The TV show attracted a large audience.
  • The article was written to appeal to a younger audience.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Understanding audience psychology is crucial for speakers since different groups can have varying expectations and responses.
  • The concept of 'audience engagement' emphasizes involving listeners to maintain their attention and interest.

Pop Culture

  • Famous events, like concerts or award shows, draw huge audiences, showcasing the power of entertainment to bring people together.
  • Reality television has transformed traditional ideas about audience, allowing viewers to interact through voting and social media.

Literature

  • Writers often consider their audience's background and preferences to tailor their stories for maximum impact.
  • The term 'target audience' is used to identify specific groups of people, such as teens or professionals, that creators want to reach.

History

  • In ancient Greece, theaters were built for large audiences, highlighting the importance of public performances in that society.
  • Royal courts often hosted audiences for subjects or foreign dignitaries, marking significant political and social interactions.

Origin of 'audience'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'audientia,' which means 'hearing' or 'listening.'
  • In Middle English, it was adapted from the Old French 'audience,' which referred to a formal meeting or hearing.

The word 'audience' has been derived from the Latin word 'audientia' which means 'a hearing' or 'listening'. The concept of an audience has been prevalent since ancient times, where people would gather to watch performances, listen to speeches, or participate in events. Over the years, the term has evolved to encompass various forms of media consumption, from live events to digital platforms.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,256, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.