Audience
/ˈɔː.di.əns/noun
The people who watch, listen to, or read something.
Did you know?“Audience” comes from the same ancient root as *audio*, *obey*, and *obvious*—all tied to the idea of hearing, showing how language once linked listening with authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂ew-
“to perceive, especially by hearing”
Latin
Latin
audīre
“to hear”
Latin
Latin
audientia
“a hearing; a formal audience or interview”
Old French
Old French
audience
“a hearing; a formal reception”
Middle English
English
audience
“a hearing; a body of listeners”
Modern English
English
audience
“the people who watch, listen to, or read something”