What is the difference between these words for "audience"? What is the difference in usage between these three words for "audience"? > {} (audience, spectators) > > {} (audience, attendees) > > {} (audience, onlookers) The dictionary definitions offer variations, but, none of those variations clearly make any of the three mutually exclusive from each other. It doesn't seem wrong to choose any of those to describe a group of people at a live performance. In other words, as far as I can tell, if one wanted to say, "The audience at yesterday's show was rowdy," all these would convey the same meaning: > {}{}[]{} > > {}{}[]{} > > {}{}[]{} Does changing the word for "audience" change the impression of what kind of show it was? Are any of them incorrect? What are examples where one is acceptable and another not which clearly differentiate them?

A person watching and listening to a radio or television program.

Someone watching a movie, play, sporting event, etc.

A group of people assembled to hear a concert, etc.

A large group of people gathered to see a performance, event, etc.

I'm mostly just literally translating dictionary definitions here, but I think this should help you appreciate the differences between the words. A lot of it hinges on the type of medium being enjoyed and the size of the group (single or multiple people).