audition
UK[ɔːˈdɪʃn]US[ɔˈdɪʃn]
n
A short performance by an actor, singer, etc., that someone judges to decide if that person should be employed or included in a show, film, etc.
v
To perform in an audition, or to judge someone's performance in an audition.
Morpheme Breakdown
audit
ion
audit
hear
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word "audition" originates from the Latin verb audire, meaning "to hear". This root is shared by many English words related to hearing, such as "audio" and "audience". The suffix "-ion" was added to form the Late Latin noun auditio, which denoted the action or faculty of hearing. Over time, the meaning specialized from the general act of hearing to the specific modern sense of a trial hearing for a performer, where their skills are judged by listening and watching.
Analysis
Structure: audit (hear) + ion (noun suffix)
- audit: From Latin audire, meaning "to hear". Functions as the core root conveying the sense of hearing.
- ion: A suffix of Latin origin used to form nouns indicating an action or process.
Examples
She has an audition for the lead role in the musical next week.
Hundreds of dancers auditioned, but only a dozen were selected.
The director was impressed by his audition and offered him the part immediately.