Audition
/ɔːˈdɪʃ.ən/noun
A tryout or test of a performer’s abilities, especially for a role or part.
Did you know?Audition comes from the same Latin root as *audio* and *obedience*—a reminder that, historically, hearing was tied to authority, testimony, and submission to a voice.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂ew-
“to perceive by hearing”
Latin
Latin
audīre
“to hear”
Latin
Latin
audītiō
“a hearing; the act of hearing or listening”
Old French
Old French
audition
“a hearing; a formal listening or examination”
Late Middle English
English
audicioun
“a formal hearing or listening”
Modern English
English
audition
“a test performance for a role or position”