rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: audire
Latin

audire

hear, listen

Forms

  • aud-
  • audit- — Latin stem of the form meaning ‘heard.’

Origin

Often connected with reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *au-, ‘perceive’; the formation of the Latin verb is uncertain.

Note

Listening could imply heeding or obeying, beyond simply receiving a sound.

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noun / verb

audition

aw-DIH-shuhn/ɔːˈdɪʃn/

A performance to assess suitability for a role or position.

The dancer performs a trial step during an audition before two evaluators.

Solo dancer performs a poised trial step in front of two seated evaluators holding blank clipboards, small open rehearsal space; assessors scrutinize rather than applaud.
Etymology
audiLatinhear, listen
+tionLatinan action, process, or result

The pieces express an act of hearing: audition first referred to hearing or listening. It later acquired the specialized meaning of a trial performance, where an applicant’s abilities are assessed.

In context

William Osborne61:54
there was an audition for principal and uh I was I came in second and and was moved to was given the ass assistant position
John Swallow Speaks About His Life In Music

More examples

  • She auditioned for the lead role in the musical.
  • The orchestra is auditioning violinists this week.
  • His second audition included a scene with another performer.

Forms

audition · auditions · auditioned · auditioning

Similar words

tryout
Is less formal and also applies to sports teams.
screen test
Specifically tests a performer's appearance and performance on camera.