audition
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a short performance that an actor, singer, or dancer gives to show they are good enough for a job.
n.a trial performance given by an entertainer to demonstrate suitability for a role or position.
Simple“She was very nervous before her audition for the lead role in the school play.”
In context“The director scheduled a second audition for the three finalists to see how their voices blended in a trio.”
Synonymstryoutscreen test - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.the physical ability or act of hearing sounds.
n.the faculty or sense of hearing; the physiological process of perceiving sound.
Simple“The doctor tested the patient's audition to see if the inner ear was damaged.”
In context“The research paper explores how spatial audition allows humans to locate sound sources in complex environments.”
UsageIn modern English, this sense is almost exclusively found in medical or psychological contexts.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to give a short performance to try and get a job in a play or show.
v.to perform in an audition as an applicant for a role or position.
Simple“He is going to audition for a part in a new television commercial tomorrow.”
In context“Hundreds of hopeful young actors queued outside the studio to audition for the upcoming musical.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'for'.
Synonymstry out - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to watch or listen to a performer to decide if they are right for a job.
v.to conduct an audition of a performer; to evaluate a candidate's suitability through a trial performance.
Simple“The band spent the whole afternoon auditioning new drummers.”
In context“The casting agency has been auditioning talent for three weeks but has yet to find the right lead.”
“The actor was getting ready to audition for a part in a film.”
“Earlier this year Variety reported that stage actor Tom Francis had auditioned , external for the role.”
Borrowed from Middle French audicion, from Latin audītiō, from audiō (“I hear”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.