audit
noun (countable)
UK/ˈɔː.dɪt/US/ˈɑː.dɪt/
In education, a course or class that a student attends without receiving academic credit.
Example Sentences
She decided to audit the advanced mathematics course to enhance her knowledge.
Auditing a class allows students to learn without the pressure of grades.
He audited the history seminar to gain insights from the guest lecturer.
Many professionals audit courses to stay updated in their field.
The university offers the option to audit courses for personal enrichment.
She found auditing philosophy classes intellectually stimulating.
Auditing the computer science course gave him a better understanding of programming.
They chose to audit the creative writing workshop to improve their skills.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈdɪt/US/əˈdɪt/
To conduct a systematic examination or evaluation of a process, system, or performance.
Example Sentences
They decided to audit their customer service procedures to improve satisfaction.
The company plans to audit its supply chain for sustainability practices.
She audited the effectiveness of the new training program.
The team audited the project's progress to identify any delays.
They will audit the marketing strategies to determine their impact.
He audited the operational processes to find areas for cost reduction.
The auditor was tasked with auditing the company's compliance with industry standards.
They chose to audit their internal controls to prevent fraud.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A thorough, structured review to verify accuracy, compliance, or performance.An “audit” generally involves evaluating the reliability or compliance of an entity’s financials, processes, or operations. In finance, an external audit checks company accounts to ensure financial statements reflect true and fair results, typically following established standards (like GAAP or IFRS). Internal audits, meanwhile, examine organizational procedures, risk management, and internal controls, seeking potential improvements or confirming adherence to policies. Audits appear outside finance, too: you might audit IT systems for security holes, operational procedures for efficiency, or compliance with regulations (e.g., environmental or health codes).When someone says, “Our firm is under audit,” it indicates a formal review by an authorized body—perhaps a government tax authority or a professional auditing firm. This process can involve scrutinizing transaction records, interviewing staff, or testing system reliability. Whether checking finances, operations, or data integrity, “audit” signals a structured, methodical approach to ensure transparency and correctness. Results often conclude with a report, summarizing findings, highlighting areas for improvement, or certifying accuracy.
Alternatives
Depending on context, you might use “examination,” “review,” or “inspection” for less formal or narrower assessments, but they lack the precise financial or procedural focus of “audit.” “Evaluation” applies when emphasis is on qualitative judgment, “assessment” can be a general measure of performance or compliance, and “verification” pinpoints the act of confirming data accuracy. However, “audit” remains the go-to term for a systematic, often regulated and in-depth check of financial statements, control systems, or processes.
Writing
In formal or academic writing about audits, specify the type (external, internal, compliance, IT) and the framework or standards guiding it (e.g., ISO certifications for quality management, or GAAS for financial auditing). Detail the scope—what exactly is being audited, and which metrics or documents are examined? In professional reports, mention who performs the audit (a third-party firm, government body, or in-house team), how they gather evidence, and what the outcomes or recommendations are. If referencing historical or thematic context—like discussing the evolution of auditing standards—illustrate significant milestones or changes (e.g., the expansion of internal audit roles, digital auditing tools). Clarity on methodology, scope, and findings ensures readers grasp how audits reinforce accountability, detect errors, or steer improvements.
Casual Conversation
Day to day, people may say, “We’re auditing the kitchen to see what groceries we need,” using “audit” lightheartedly for a detailed check. Friends might mention a “tax audit” if the government is reviewing their tax returns—often a serious event. Or, “The IT team is auditing our software licenses,” implying they’re confirming compliance and usage. In these instances, “audit” signals a thorough, methodical approach to verifying accuracy or completeness, whether that’s stock-taking, financial scrutiny, or system checks. Casual usage leans on the concept of carefully verifying the real situation against stated records or rules. For instance, “I did a quick audit of my closet and found clothes I never wear,” means you took inventory to identify what’s unneeded or out of place.
Etymology
“Audit” comes from the Latin “audire,” meaning “to hear,” reflecting that historically, accounts were verbally presented and examined. In medieval times, auditors would ‘hear’ the accounts, questioning and verifying them for correctness. Over centuries, “audit” broadened beyond just reviewing finances by ear to encompass methodical checks of written or digital records, processes, and compliance. Despite these modern expansions—electronic documents, advanced analytics—the root notion still stands: an appointed examiner evaluates what’s been claimed or recorded, ensuring truthfulness and alignment with prescribed standards.