Viewing: A Property, a Programme, and a Funeral
Viewing is looking at something. It names a property visit in Britain, television watching, and in America a time to see the deceased.
Viewing is the act of looking at something. Three uses are worth knowing: in British property, a *viewing* is an appointment to see a house; in broadcasting, viewing figures measure audiences; and in American funeral practice, a *viewing* is the period when mourners may see the body before the service.
- A visit to see a property. *Book a viewing.*
- Watching television. *Peak viewing hours.*
- A funeral visitation (American). *The viewing is on Thursday.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | viewing | A private viewing. |
| Plural | viewings | Two viewings booked. |
| Verb | view | View the property. |
| Person | viewer | A regular viewer. |
| Related | viewership | Total viewership. |
How it is used in a sentence
- We have a viewing on Saturday.British property.
- Viewing figures fell sharply.Broadcasting.
- A private viewing before the exhibition opens.Galleries.
Viewing words
- Private view — an invitation-only gallery opening
- Viewing figures — audience measurement
- Second viewing — a return visit before an offer
- Vendor — the seller, in British property language
- Open house — viewings without appointment
From *view*, from Anglo-French *vewe*, from Latin *videre*, to see — the same verb as in *vision*, *evident* and *provide*.
What is a private view?
An invitation-only event before an exhibition opens to the public, usually with the artist present.
Viewing or visitation?
American funeral practice uses both. Viewing implies the body is present; visitation may not.