Audit a Class: Definition, Meaning & Examples

Meaning 1：audit (Audit a class)

Audit a class 🔊

/ˈɔːdɪt ə klæs/

v. phrase

To attend a class unofficially, usually to learn without getting a grade or credit.

audit 🔊

➕

/ˈɔːdɪt/

v. phrase

To attend a class unofficially, usually to learn without receiving a grade or credit.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'audire' (to hear); 'audit' + 'class' from Latin 'classis'. Combined meaning: to hear a class.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'audio' - you listen; auditing a class means you only listen, no tests.

📖 Example

She decided to audit the philosophy class first to see if she liked it before officially signing up next semester. 🔊 She decided to audit the philosophy class first to see if she liked it before officially signing up next semester.

🔗 Collocations

audit a course – attend a course without academic credit

audit a lecture – attend a lecture as a non-enrolled listener

audit online classes – attend online classes without formal enrollment

🔄 Synonyms

sit in on (v. phrase) – to attend a class without being formally enrolled

attend as a listener (v. phrase) – to participate as a non-credit observer

🚫 Antonyms

enroll in (v. phrase) – to formally register for a class and receive credit

take for credit (v. phrase) – to attend a class with the intention of earning academic credit

🌱 Derivatives

auditor (n.) – a student who audits a class

auditing (n.) – the act of attending a class unofficially

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'audit' originates from Latin 'audire' (to hear). In ancient Rome, auditors were officials who listened to accounts. By the 18th century, it entered academia where students could 'audit' courses by listening without formal enrollment.