Words / C1

TURN-owt/ˈtɜːnaʊt/

Turnout is the number of people who vote or attend: voter turnout, a low turnout. Attendance is the everyday twin for events; a crowd is looser; turnout (clothing) can mean dress — rarer. Do not write “the community spoke” for twelve people.

Meaning

The number of people who vote or attend an event.

Examples

• “Turnout at the “open meeting” was twelve; do not write “the community spoke”.”
• “Attendance is everyday for events. Crowd is impressionistic. A quorum is the minimum to do business. Participation is wider. Twelve is a number. Community is a claim. Put the number in the minute before the we.”

Good to know

How many people voted or came. Everyday: attendance. Contrast: a crowd (impression); quorum (minimum). Twelve ≠ the community.

Near in meaning

attendance

New