Attendee vs attender

Question

I came across words attendee and attender.

Having checked in dictionary, I couldn't distinguish them by their definitions.

I would be grateful if anyone can tell me the difference via examples.

Thanks a million.

Philip · Accepted Answer

My American Heritage doesn't even list 'attender'. I don't know why or how this other word came into use. It doesn't follow a pattern that is somewhat regular:

donor (gives); donee (receives)

employer (hires); employee (works)

addresser (writes letter); addressee (receives letter)

signer (writes checks); signee (needs to endorse the check)

Hrsanei · Answer

Thanks for response.

As you cited there are many words following this format.

I can also make mention of words like

payer-payee

trainer-trainee

abductor-abductee

detainer-detainee

or thoes who have just one form like

absentee

escapee

nominee

but attender and attendee is tricky and difficult to understand the difference.

the Longman definitions for the words are:

atendee:someone who is at an event such as a meeting or a course

attender:someone who regulary goes to an event such as a meeting or a class

Ex. he was a regular attender at baptist church

Do you see any particular difference in the meaning?

Thanks a million

Philip · Answer

hrsaneiEx. he was a regular attender at baptist church
Do you see any particular difference in the meaning?

Yes, I see the difference now that you point it out. I'd never heard of 'attender' until now.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes, 'a regular attender at church.' I'd never heard of attendee until now!

David

Attendee vs attender

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