audience
noun (countable)
UK/ˈɔː.di.əns/US/ˈɑː.di.əns/
A formal meeting or consultation with a sovereign or high-ranking person.
Example Sentences
The ambassador requested an audience with the president to discuss trade agreements.
Royal families often grant audiences to dignitaries and important guests.
She secured an audience with the CEO to present her business proposal.
The judge granted the lawyer an audience to argue the case.
Formal audiences are scheduled in the royal palace for state matters.
He was granted an audience to voice his concerns to the council.
The monarch held an audience to address the nation during the crisis.
Diplomats seek audiences with leaders to negotiate treaties and alliances.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Those who receive, watch, or read content, whether live, recorded, or written.An “audience” typically refers to the people watching a show, concert, speech, or any presentation—physically or virtually. Whether it’s a theater audience experiencing a live play, a streaming audience for an online event, or readers of a published work, the term highlights a collective group taking in and reacting to what’s offered. Performers adapt their style based on the audience’s demographics and real-time responses, while communicators tailor messages to an audience’s knowledge level or interests. In marketing or media, identifying your audience is essential to shape the content’s tone and appeal. Beyond entertainment, the notion of audience also extends to contexts like academic conferences (the audience of colleagues), social media posts (followers who consume and comment), or brand campaigns (target consumers). Essentially, any time information or art is shared, whoever receives it can be called the “audience.” The word underscores the role of a receptive group that completes the circuit of communication—absorbing, evaluating, and often reacting to what’s presented. Sometimes, an “intended audience” is a specific subset (like children, professionals, fans) the creator hopes to reach, influencing style, complexity, or channel choice.
Alternatives
Depending on the situation, synonyms include “spectators,” “viewers,” “readers,” or “listeners.” Each one hones in on the mode of reception: “spectators” for live or in-person events, “viewers” for video or television, “readers” for written texts, and “listeners” for audio formats. “Crowd” might be used in casual talk, though it lacks the direct notion of attending to a performance or message. “Public” is broader, often referencing society at large. Meanwhile, “audience” remains the most universal term for groups intentionally engaged in receiving content or ideas.
Writing
In formal or academic writing, clarify what type of audience you mean: “The keynote speech captivated a diverse audience of scientists, policy makers, and educators.” If discussing rhetorical strategies, note how speakers address audience interests or knowledge gaps, adjusting language accordingly. In mass communication or marketing contexts, specify “target audience,” elaborating on demographics (age, location, preferences) to show how campaigns align with that group. When referencing a novel’s success, you might note, “The book found an international audience,” highlighting global reach. By defining the context—medium, setting, and purpose—you help readers grasp what “audience” entails in each instance.
Casual Conversation
Day to day, “audience” pops up when people discuss who’s watching or listening. Friends may say, “That video found a huge audience online,” or “I had a small audience at my recital, but they were supportive.” If you share something on social media, you might talk about building an audience to garner feedback or support. When describing an event, “The audience loved it!” is standard praise, indicating enthusiastic reception. In casual speech, referencing “our audience” can also be a friendly nudge—like, “We gotta keep our audience entertained!” in a joking sense when a group is performing or presenting something informally. Overall, it underscores the role of watchers or listeners completing any act of communication or performance.
Etymology
“Audience” traces from the Latin “audientia,” meaning “the act of hearing,” stemming from “audire” (to hear). In medieval times, an “audience” was literally those who heard a speaker—often in a court or royal chamber. As performances and public spectacles grew in variety, “audience” evolved to denote not only listeners but also observers of any spectacle or presentation. The modern concept continues that legacy of a collective presence receiving and processing content—hearing, watching, or reading—and thereby shaping the experience of art, entertainment, or discourse.