audition
Definitions
A short trial performance by an actor, singer, or musician to test their suitability for a role or job
试演，试镜，试唱（演员、歌手或乐手为某角色或职位进行的简短考核表演）
To take part in such a trial performance
参加试演（去试镜、试唱）
To have someone perform such a trial in order to assess them
让…试演（考核某人的表演）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedaudit (heard) + -ion (act) = 'a hearing.' A musician seeking a part was literally given a hearing to judge their voice or playing. The word now covers actors and dancers too, where nobody is strictly listening, but the structure holds: a brief trial to decide if someone fits. Used as both noun (an audition) and verb (audition for a part).
Root audit still carries 7 more wordsUsage Guide
- Noun: an audition, a callback (a second audition), audition tape/reel.
- Verb, intransitive: 'audition for' a role/part/show — the most common pattern.
- Verb, transitive: a casting director 'auditions' performers — i.e. puts them through the trial.
- Don't confuse the two directions: the performer auditions for a part; the director auditions the performer.
Example Sentences
- 1.
She was nervous before her audition for the lead role.
- 2.
Hundreds of dancers auditioned for the new show.
- 3.
The director auditioned twelve actors in one afternoon.