Attendance vs. Attendant: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 6, 2023
"Attendance" refers to the act of attending, typically measured as the number of people present, while "Attendant" refers to a person employed to provide a service to the public, often in a specific role.
Key Differences
"Attendance" and "Attendant" are different concepts, with one denoting presence and the other referring to a service role. "Attendance" is primarily associated with the act or fact of attending an event, a place, or a function and is usually quantified by counting the number of individuals present. "Attendant," on the other hand, is an individual who performs a service for others, typically within the context of specific duties or roles, such as a flight attendant or a gas station attendant.
In essence, "Attendance" represents a state or condition and is used to describe the presence or participation of individuals in an event or a place. It can signify both the act of attending and the number of attendees. In contrast, "Attendant" is a noun that refers to a person assigned to assist or serve others in some capacity, indicating a role or job title, and can sometimes denote subservience or service in a specific context.
Linguistically, "Attendance" is a noun formed from the verb “attend,” and it relates to the action of being present or participating in something. "Attendant," also a noun, is derived from the same verb “attend,” but it denotes the person who is present to perform duties or services, showcasing the difference in usage and meaning between a state of being and a role or profession.
Contextually, "Attendance" is a more abstract concept, applicable in various situations where presence or participation is recorded or noted, such as in school, at work, or at events. "Attendant," however, is a tangible term used to describe individuals employed in service roles, and its application is often restricted to specific service-oriented professions or roles, highlighting the diversity in application between the abstract and the concrete.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
The act of attending; people present.
A person employed to provide a service.
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Usage
Abstract concept describing presence.
Concrete term describing individuals in service roles.
Context
Schools, workplaces, events.
Specific service-oriented professions or roles.
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
Derivation
Formed from the verb “attend.”
Also derived from the verb “attend.”
Attendance and Attendant Definitions
Attendance
The number of people present at a particular place or event.
The attendance for the game was recorded at 10,000.
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Attendant
A person employed to provide a service to the public in a particular role.
Sorrow is often an attendant to loss.
Attendance
The act of attending.
Attendant
The flight attendant ensured the passengers’ comfort during the flight.
A person who is in attendance, especially as a necessary accompaniment.
Attendance
The persons or number of persons that are present.
Attendant
The parking lot attendant directed us to an available spot.
A companion or follower of a person of rank.
Attendance
The frequency with which a person is present.
Attendant
A person present to perform duties or services.
The attendant at the museum guided us through the exhibits.
Attendance
The act of attending; the state of being present; presence.
Attendance at the meeting is required.
All those in attendance are to sign this slip.
Attendant
One who attends or waits on another.
Attendance
The persons or number of persons present.
The class sat down so that the teacher could take attendance.
Attendant
One who is present.
Attendance
The frequency with which one has been present for a regular activity or set of events.
John's attendance for the conventions was not good.
Attendant
An accompanying thing or circumstance; a concomitant.
Attendance
(obsolete) Attention paid to something; careful regard.
Attendant
Being present
Ships and attendant sailors.
Attendance
Attention; regard; careful application.
Till I come, give attendance to reading.
Attendant
Accompanying or following as a result
Attendant circumstances.
Attendance
The act of attending; state of being in waiting; service; ministry; the fact of being present; presence.
Constant attendance at church three times a day.
Attendant
One who attends; one who works with or watches over something.
Give your keys to the parking attendants and they will park your car for you.
Attendance
Waiting for; expectation.
Languishing attendance and expectation of death.
Attendant
A servant or valet.
Attendance
The persons attending; a retinue; attendants.
If your stray attendance by yet lodged.
Attendant
A visitor or caller.
Attendance
The act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.)
Attendant
That which accompanies or follows.
Attendance
The act of being present at a location or event.
The attendance at the concert was phenomenal.
Attendant
(legal) One who owes a duty or service to another.
Attendance
Participation in an event or activity.
Regular attendance is crucial for academic success.
Attendant
Going with; associated; concomitant.
They promoted him to supervisor, with all the attendant responsibilities and privileges.
Attendance
A record of the presence of people, such as students or employees.
The teacher took attendance before starting the lesson.
Attendant
(law) Depending on, or owing duty or service to.
The widow attendant to the heir
Attendance
The frequency with which a person attends events or places.
His attendance at the workshops was commendable.
Attendant
Being present, or in the train; accompanying; in waiting.
From the attendant flotilla rang notes triumph.
Cherub and Seraph . . . attendant on their Lord.
Attendant
Accompanying, connected with, or immediately following, as consequential; consequent; as, intemperance with all its attendant evils.
The natural melancholy attendant upon his situation added to the gloom of the owner of the mansion.
Attendant
Depending on, or owing duty or service to; as, the widow attendant to the heir.
Attendant
One who attends or accompanies in any character whatever, as a friend, companion, servant, agent, or suitor.
Attendant
One who is present and takes part in the proceedings; as, an attendant at a meeting.
Attendant
That which accompanies; a concomitant.
[A] sense of fame, the attendant of noble spirits.
Attendant
One who owes duty or service to, or depends on, another.
Attendant
Someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
Attendant
A person who participates in a meeting;
He was a regular attender at department meetings
The gathering satisfied both organizers and attendees
Attendant
Following as a consequence;
An excessive growth of bureaucracy, with related problems
Snags incidental to the changeover in management
Attendant
An individual responsible for assisting or serving in a specific capacity.
The queen’s attendant held her train.
FAQs
Can “Attendance” refer to participation?
Yes, “Attendance” can also signify participation in an event or activity.
Is “Attendant” always a service role?
Predominantly, yes, “Attendant” usually refers to service-oriented roles.
Can “Attendant” refer to a companion?
Yes, “Attendant” can also refer to a companion or follower of a person, especially of rank.
Can an “Attendant” provide specialized services?
Yes, an “Attendant” can provide specialized services depending on their role and training.
Can an “Attendant” be in a role of authority?
Yes, an “Attendant” can have roles of authority depending on the context and the service being provided.
Can “Attendance” relate to frequency?
Yes, “Attendance” can refer to the frequency with which a person attends events or places.
Is “Attendance” a noun?
Yes, “Attendance” is a noun describing the act of attending or the number of people present.
Is “Attendance” always quantifiable?
Yes, “Attendance” typically refers to the quantifiable presence of individuals at an event or place.
Does “Attendance” only apply to people?
Typically, yes, “Attendance” usually refers to the presence of people at a place or event.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
