Audience Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈɔːdiːns/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A group of people who listen to, watch, or participate in a performance, presentation, or event, either in a physical or virtual setting.

Examples

• The comedian’s interaction with the audience was a hit.
• After the play, the audience applauded for several minutes.
• She stood at the front of the room, prepared to deliver a speech to the audience.
• The panel discussion was streamed live to a global audience.
• The design of the concert venue was tailored to provide optimal sightlines for the audience.

Synonyms

• Crowd
• Fans

Antonyms

• Single individual
• Private gathering

Additional Information

Audiences play a crucial role in shaping the success of a performance, as their reactions and engagement help determine the overall quality and impact of the event. Effective communication with the audience is essential for building trust and fostering a connection between the performer and the audience.

Audiences can range from a small, intimate gathering to a massive, global broadcast. In each setting, understanding the audience’s needs, preferences, and expectations is vital for creating an engaging and memorable experience.

Etymology

The word “audience” comes from the Old French word “audience,” meaning “hearing” or “listening.”

Usage Notes

Audience can be used as a singular or plural noun, although the plural form is more commonly used.

Cultural References

Audience has been featured in various movies, plays, and TV shows, often symbolizing the connection between the performer and the viewers.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions include “baying audience,” ” appreciative audience,” and “raucous audience.”

Related Words or Phrases

Words and phrases closely related to audience include audience member, audience participation, audience response, and audience engagement.

Collocations

Audience is often collocated with words like “live,” “online,” “performing,” and “attentive.”

Frequency of Use

Audience is a moderately frequent word in modern language, commonly used in informal and formal contexts alike.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of audience include “audiance,” “audiens,” and “audiance.”