Host vs. Hold — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
Host refers to entertaining guests or housing an event, while hold means to carry or support something or to contain a gathering.
Difference Between Host and Hold
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
To host is to act as the organizer or provider of an event, space, or service. It implies a welcoming and managerial role, offering hospitality or a venue for an occasion. To hold, in contrast, has several meanings including to contain, maintain possession, or to conduct an event within a space. It can refer to the physical act of grasping or the capacity to enclose or include.
The host often implies a person or organization that invites guests for an event or provides a platform, like a TV host. Hold does not imply an invitation but refers to the act of gripping or having capacity. For instance, one can hold a meeting, which means to contain or conduct it within a space, not necessarily implying any hospitality.
Hosting is associated with a social role and often includes providing food, entertainment, or lodging. Holding is a broader term that may or may not have social connotations, and can refer to the action or way of grasping something or the ability to keep something within certain limits, like "to hold one's temper."
Hosts have a responsibility towards their guests or audience, providing for their comfort and engagement. Holding something doesn't necessarily entail responsibility towards another's comfort; instead, it focuses on the capacity or manner in which an object or person is contained or supported.
While to host generally suggests a planned and hospitable arrangement for guests or events, to hold is a more generic term that can also imply restraint, duration, or support, such as holding a position, a belief, or an object in place. Both terms carry different connotations outside of their shared context of events.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
To provide space and hospitality
To contain, maintain, or grasp
Context of Use
Social and event-oriented
General, including physical and metaphorical
Implication
Responsibility and service to others
Capacity, control, or duration
Associated Actions
Inviting, organizing, entertaining
Grasping, containing, conducting
Common Collocations
Host a party, TV host
Hold an object, hold a meeting
Compare with Definitions
Host
To organize and hold an event.
The company will host the annual gala next month.
Hold
To keep or detain something or someone.
The police can hold a suspect for 24 hours without charges.
Host
The presenter of a broadcast program.
The game show host was quick-witted and engaging.
Hold
To have capacity, space, or size.
This jar can hold two liters of water.
Host
A large number or multitude of people or things.
A host of stars could be seen in the clear night sky.
Hold
To have and keep in one's grasp
Held the reins tightly.
Host
One who receives or entertains guests in a social or official capacity.
Hold
To aim or direct; point
Held a hose on the fire.
Host
A person who manages an inn or hotel.
Hold
To keep from falling or moving; support
A nail too small to hold the mirror.
Hold the horse steady.
Papers that were held together with staples.
Host
One that furnishes facilities and resources for a function or event
The city chosen as host for the Olympic Games.
Hold
To sustain the pressure of
The old bridge can't hold much weight.
Host
The emcee or interviewer on a radio or television program.
Hold
To keep from departing or getting away
Hold the bus! Hold the dog until I find the leash.
Host
An organism on which or in which another organism lives.
Hold
To keep in custody
Held the suspect for questioning.
Host
A cell that has been infected by a virus or other infective agent.
Hold
To retain (one's attention or interest)
Televised sports can't hold my interest.
Host
(Medicine) The recipient of a transplanted tissue or organ.
Hold
To avoid letting out or expelling
The swimmer held her breath while underwater.
Host
A computer or other device providing data or services that a remote computer can access by means of a network or modem.
Hold
To be filled by; contain
This drawer holds socks.
Host
A computer that is connected to a TCP/IP network such as the internet.
Hold
To be capable of holding
A pitcher that holds a quart.
Host
An army.
Hold
To have as a chief characteristic or quality
The film holds many surprises.
Host
A great number; a multitude.
Hold
To have in store
Let's see what the future holds.
Host
The consecrated bread or wafer of the Eucharist.
Hold
To have and maintain in one's possession
Holds a great deal of property.
Host
To serve as host to or at
"the garden party he had hosted last spring" (Saturday Review).
Hold
To have as a responsible position or a privilege
Held the governorship for six years.
Host
To provide software that offers data or services, hardware, or both over a computer network.
Hold
To have in recognition of achievement or superiority
Holds the record for the one-mile race.
Holds the respect of her peers.
Host
One which receives or entertains a guest, socially, commercially, or officially.
A good host is always considerate of the guest’s needs.
Hold
To maintain control over
Thieves held the stolen painting for ransom.
Host
One that provides a facility for an event.
Hold
To maintain occupation of by force or coercion
Protesters held the embassy for a week.
Host
A person or organization responsible for running an event.
Our company is host of the annual conference this year.
Hold
To withstand the efforts or advance of (an opposing team, for example).
Host
A moderator or master of ceremonies for a performance.
The host was terrible, but the acts themselves were good.
Hold
To maintain in a given condition, situation, or action
The storyteller held the crowd spellbound.
Host
Any computer attached to a network.
Hold
To impose control or restraint on; curb
She held her temper.
Host
(ecology) A cell or organism which harbors another organism or biological entity, usually a parasite.
Viruses depend on the host that they infect in order to be able to reproduce.
Hold
To stop the movement or progress of
Hold the presses!.
Host
An organism bearing certain genetic material, with respect to its cells.
The so-called junk DNA is known, so far, to provide no apparent benefit to its host.
Hold
To reserve or keep back from use
Please hold two tickets for us. Hold the relish on that hamburger.
Host
A paid male companion offering conversation and in some cases sex, as in certain types of bar in Japan.
Hold
To defer the immediate handling of
The receptionist held all calls during the meeting.
Host
A multitude of people arrayed as an army; used also in religious senses, as: Heavenly host (of angels)
Hold
To own or have title to.
Host
A large number of items; a large inventory.
The dealer stocks a host of parts for my Model A.
Hold
To be in possession of, whether legally entitled or not
Holds an interest in the company.
Host
(Christianity) The consecrated bread of the Eucharist.
Hold
To bind by a contract.
Host
To perform the role of a host.
Our company will host the annual conference this year.
I was terrible at hosting that show.
I’ll be hosting tonight. I hope I’m not terrible.
Hold
To adjudge or decree
The court held that the defendant was at fault.
Host
To lodge at an inn.
Hold
To make accountable; obligate
He held me to my promise.
Host
To run software made available to a remote user or process.
Kremvax hosts a variety of services.
Hold
To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view
Holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices.
Host
The consecrated wafer, believed to be the body of Christ, which in the Mass is offered as a sacrifice; also, the bread before consecration.
Hold
To assert or affirm, especially formally
This doctrine holds that people are inherently good.
Host
An army; a number of men gathered for war.
A host so great as covered all the field.
Hold
To regard in a certain way
I hold you in high esteem.
Host
Any great number or multitude; a throng.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God.
All at once I saw a crowd,A host, of golden daffodils.
Hold
To cause to take place; carry on
Held the race in Texas.
Hold a yard sale.
Host
One who receives or entertains another, whether gratuitously or for compensation; one from whom another receives food, lodging, or entertainment; a landlord.
Time is like a fashionable host,That slightly shakes his parting guest by the hand.
Hold
To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene
Held a meeting of the board.
Host
Any animal or plant affording lodgment or subsistence to a parasitic or commensal organism. Thus a tree is a host of an air plant growing upon it.
Hold
To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position
Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg.
Host
To give entertainment to.
Hold
To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection
Held my nose against the stench.
Host
To lodge at an inn; to take up entertainment.
Hold
To maintain a grasp or grip on something.
Host
A person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
Hold
To stay securely fastened
The chain held.
Host
A vast multitude
Hold
To maintain a desired or accustomed position or condition
Hopes the weather will hold.
Host
An animal or plant that nourishes and supports a parasite; the host does not benefit and is often harmed by the association
Hold
To withstand stress, pressure, or opposition
The defense held. We held firm on the negotiations.
Host
A person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
Hold
To continue in the same direction
The ship held to an easterly course.
Host
Archaic terms for army
Hold
To be valid, applicable, or true
The observation still holds in cases like this.
Host
Any organization that provides resources and facilities for a function or event;
Atlanta was chosen to be host for the Olympic Games
Hold
To halt an intended action. Often used in the imperative.
Host
(medicine) recipient of transplanted tissue or organ from a donor
Hold
To stop the countdown during a missile or spacecraft launch.
Host
The owner or manager of an inn
Hold
(Slang) To have in one's possession illicit or illegally obtained material or goods, especially narcotics
The suspect was holding.
Host
A technical name for the bread used in the service of Mass or Holy Communion
Hold
The act or a means of grasping.
Host
(computer science) a computer that provides client stations with access to files and printers as shared resources to a computer network
Hold
A manner of grasping an opponent, as in wrestling or aikido
A neck hold.
An arm hold.
Host
Be the host of or for;
We hosted 4 couples last night
Hold
Something that may be grasped or gripped, as for support.
Host
Someone who receives or entertains guests.
She was an excellent host, ensuring everyone felt welcome.
Hold
A control or adjustor on a television that keeps the screen image in proper position
Adjusted the horizontal hold.
Host
An organism that harbors another organism.
The tree acted as a host to various species of orchids.
Hold
A telephone service that allows one to temporarily interrupt a call without severing the connection.
Hold
A bond or force that attaches or restrains, or by which something is affected or dominated
A writer with a strong hold on her readership.
Hold
Complete control
Has a firm hold on the complex issues.
Hold
Full understanding
Has a good hold on physics.
Hold
The sustaining of a note longer than its indicated time value.
Hold
The symbol designating this pause; a fermata.
Hold
A direction or indication that something is to be reserved or deferred.
Hold
A temporary halt, as in a countdown.
Hold
A prison cell.
Hold
The state of being in confinement; custody.
Hold
(Archaic) A fortified place; a stronghold.
Hold
The lower interior part of a ship or airplane where cargo is stored.
Hold
(transitive) To grasp or grip.
Hold the pencil like this.
Hold
(transitive) To contain or store.
This package holds six bottles.
Hold
(heading) To maintain or keep to a position or state.
Hold
(transitive) To have and keep possession of something.
Hold my coat for me.
The general ordered the colonel to hold his position at all costs.
Hold
(transitive) To reserve.
Hold a table for us at 7:00.
Hold
(transitive) To cause to wait or delay.
Hold the elevator.
Hold
(transitive) To detain.
Hold the suspect in this cell.
Hold
To be or remain valid; to apply (usually in the third person).
To hold true;
The proposition holds.
Hold
To keep oneself in a particular state.
To hold firm
Hold
(transitive) To impose restraint upon; to limit in motion or action; to bind legally or morally; to confine; to restrain.
Hold
(transitive) To bear, carry, or manage.
He holds himself proudly erect.
Hold your head high.
Hold
Not to move; to halt; to stop.
Hold
(intransitive) Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.
Hold
To remain continent; to control an excretory bodily function.
To hold one's bladder;
To hold one's breath
Hold
(heading) To maintain or keep to particular opinions, promises, actions.
Hold
(transitive) To maintain, to consider, to opine.
Hold
(transitive) To bind (someone) to a consequence of his or her actions.
He was held responsible for the actions of those under his command.
I'll hold him to that promise.
Hold
To maintain in being or action; to carry on; to prosecute, as a course of conduct or an argument; to continue; to sustain.
Hold
To accept, as an opinion; to be the adherent of, openly or privately; to persist in, as a purpose; to maintain; to sustain.
Hold
(archaic) To restrain oneself; to refrain; to hold back.
Hold
To win one's own service game.
Hold
To take place, to occur.
Hold
To organise an event or meeting (usually in passive voice).
Elections will be held on the first Sunday of next month.
Hold
(archaic) To derive right or title.
Hold
(imperative) In a food or drink order at an informal restaurant etc., requesting that a component normally included in that order be omitted.
One ham-and-cheese sandwich; hold the mustard.
A martini, please, and hold the olive.
Hold
To be in possession of illicit drugs for sale.
Hold
A grasp or grip.
Keep a firm hold on the handlebars.
Hold
An act or instance of holding.
Can I have a hold of the baby?
Hold
A place where animals are held for safety
Hold
An order that something is to be reserved or delayed, limiting or preventing how it can be dealt with.
Senator X placed a hold on the bill, then went to the library and placed a hold on a book.
Hold
Something reserved or kept.
We have a hold here for you.
Hold
Power over someone or something.
Hold
The ability to persist.
Hold
The property of maintaining the shape of styled hair.
Hold
(wrestling) A position or grip used to control the opponent.
He got him in a tight hold and pinned him to the mat.
Hold
(exercise) An exercise involving holding a position for a set time
Hold
(gambling) The percentage the house wins on a gamble, the house or bookmaker's hold.
The House Hold on the game is 10,000, this is the amount of decision or risk the house wishes to assume.
Hold
(gambling) The wager amount, the total hold.
As of Monday night the total Melbourne Cup hold was $848,015
Hold
(tennis) An instance of holding one's service game, as opposed to being broken.
Hold
The part of an object one is intended to grasp, or anything one can use for grasping with hands or feet.
Hold
A fruit machine feature allowing one or more of the reels to remain fixed while the others spin.
Hold
A pause facility.
Hold
The queueing system on telephones and similar communication systems which maintains a connection when all lines are busy.
Hold
(baseball) A statistic awarded to a relief pitcher who is not still pitching at the end of the game and who records at least one out and maintains a lead for his team.
Hold
(aviation) A region of airspace reserved for aircraft being kept in a holding pattern.
Hold
The cargo area of a ship or aircraft (often holds or cargo hold).
We watched our luggage being loaded into the hold of the plane.
Hold
(obsolete) Gracious; friendly; faithful; true.
Hold
The whole interior portion of a vessel below the lower deck, in which the cargo is stowed.
Hold
The act of holding, as in or with the hands or arms; the manner of holding, whether firm or loose; seizure; grasp; clasp; grip; possession; - often used with the verbs take and lay.
Ne have I not twelve pence within mine hold.
Thou should'st lay hold upon him.
My soul took hold on thee.
Take fast hold of instruction.
Hold
The authority or ground to take or keep; claim.
The law hath yet another hold on you.
Hold
Binding power and influence.
Fear . . . by which God and his laws take the surest hold of.
Hold
Something that may be grasped; means of support.
If a man be upon an high place without rails or good hold, he is ready to fall.
Hold
A place of confinement; a prison; confinement; custody; guard.
They . . . put them in hold unto the next day.
King Richard, he is in the mighty holdOf Bolingbroke.
Hold
A place of security; a fortified place; a fort; a castle; - often called a stronghold.
New comers in an ancient hold
Hold
A character [thus ] placed over or under a note or rest, and indicating that it is to be prolonged; - called also pause, and corona.
Hold
To cause to remain in a given situation, position, or relation, within certain limits, or the like; to prevent from falling or escaping; to sustain; to restrain; to keep in the grasp; to retain.
The loops held one curtain to another.
Thy right hand shall hold me.
They all hold swords, being expert in war.
In vain he seeks, that having can not hold.
France, thou mayst hold a serpent by the tongue, . . . A fasting tiger safer by the tooth,Than keep in peace that hand which thou dost hold.
Hold
To retain in one's keeping; to maintain possession of, or authority over; not to give up or relinquish; to keep; to defend.
We mean to hold what anciently we claimOf deity or empire.
Hold
To have; to possess; to be in possession of; to occupy; to derive title to; as, to hold office.
This noble merchant held a noble house.
Of him to hold his seigniory for a yearly tribute.
And now the strand, and now the plain, they held.
Hold
To impose restraint upon; to limit in motion or action; to bind legally or morally; to confine; to restrain.
We can not hold mortality's strong hand.
Death! what do'st? O, hold thy blow.
He had not sufficient judgment and self-command to hold his tongue.
Hold
To maintain in being or action; to carry on; to prosecute, as a course of conduct or an argument; to continue; to sustain.
Hold not thy peace, and be not still.
Seedtime and harvest, heat and hoary frost,Shall hold their course.
Hold
To prosecute, have, take, or join in, as something which is the result of united action; as to, hold a meeting, a festival, a session, etc.; hence, to direct and bring about officially; to conduct or preside at; as, the general held a council of war; a judge holds a court; a clergyman holds a service.
I would hold more talk with thee.
Hold
To receive and retain; to contain as a vessel; as, this pail holds milk; hence, to be able to receive and retain; to have capacity or containing power for.
Broken cisterns that can hold no water.
One sees more devils than vast hell can hold.
Hold
To accept, as an opinion; to be the adherent of, openly or privately; to persist in, as a purpose; to maintain; to sustain.
Stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught.
But still he held his purpose to depart.
Hold
To consider; to regard; to esteem; to account; to think; to judge.
I hold him but a fool.
I shall never hold that man my friend.
The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Hold
To bear, carry, or manage; as he holds himself erect; he holds his head high.
Let him hold his fingers thus.
O, fie! to receive favors, return falsehoods,And hold a lady in hand.
Hold
In general, to keep one's self in a given position or condition; to remain fixed. Hence:
Hold
Not to move; to halt; to stop; - mostly in the imperative.
And damned be him that first cries, "Hold, enough!"
Hold
Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.
Our force by land hath nobly held.
Hold
Not to fail or be found wanting; to continue; to last; to endure a test or trial; to abide; to persist.
While our obedience holds.
The rule holds in land as all other commodities.
Hold
Not to fall away, desert, or prove recreant; to remain attached; to cleave; - often with with, to, or for.
He will hold to the one and despise the other.
Hold
To restrain one's self; to refrain.
His dauntless heart would fain have heldFrom weeping, but his eyes rebelled.
Hold
To derive right or title; - generally with of.
My crown is absolute, and holds of none.
His imagination holds immediately from nature.
Hold
The act of grasping;
He released his clasp on my arm
He has a strong grip for an old man
She kept a firm hold on the railing
Hold
Understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something;
He has a good grasp of accounting practices
Hold
Power by which something or someone is affected or dominated;
He has a hold over them
Hold
Time during which some action is awaited;
Instant replay caused too long a delay
He ordered a hold in the action
Hold
A state of being confined (usually for a short time);
His detention was politically motivated
The prisoner is on hold
He is in the custody of police
Hold
A stronghold
Hold
A cell in a jail or prison
Hold
The appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it;
He grabbed the hammer by the handle
It was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
Hold
The space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo
Hold
Organize or be responsible for;
Hold a reception
Have, throw, or make a party
Give a course
Hold
Keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
Keep clean
Hold in place
She always held herself as a lady
The students keep me on my toes
Hold
Have or hold in one's hands or grip;
Hold this bowl for a moment, please
A crazy idea took hold of him
Hold
To close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement;
This holds the local until the express passengers change trains
About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade
The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center
The terrorists held the journalists for ransom
Hold
Have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices;
She bears the title of Duchess
He held the governorship for almost a decade
Hold
Have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense;
She has $1,000 in the bank
He has got two beautiful daughters
She holds a Master's degree from Harvard
Hold
Keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view;
Take for granted
View as important
Hold these truths to be self-evident
I hold him personally responsible
Hold
Contain or hold; have within;
The jar carries wine
The canteen holds fresh water
This can contains water
Hold
Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
Moderate your alcohol intake
Hold your tongue
Hold your temper
Control your anger
Hold
Remain in a certain state, position, or condition;
The weather held
They held on the road and kept marching
Hold
Maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings);
Bear a grudge
Entertain interesting notions
Harbor a resentment
Hold
Assert or affirm;
Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good
Hold
Remain committed to;
I hold to these ideas
Hold
Secure and keep for possible future use or application;
The landlord retained the security deposit
I reserve the right to disagree
Hold
Be the physical support of; carry the weight of;
The beam holds up the roof
He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam
What's holding that mirror?
Hold
Hold the attention of;
The soprano held the audience
This story held our interest
She can hold an audience spellbound
Hold
Keep from exhaling or expelling;
Hold your breath
Hold
Support or hold in a certain manner;
She holds her head high
He carried himself upright
Hold
Have room for; hold without crowding;
This hotel can accommodate 250 guests
The theater admits 300 people
The auditorium can't hold more than 500 people
Hold
Be capable of holding or containing;
This box won't take all the items
The flask holds one gallon
Hold
Be valid, applicable, or true;
This theory still holds
Hold
Take and maintain control over, often by violent means;
The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week
Hold
Protect against a challenge or attack;
Hold that position behind the trees!
Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks
Hold
Declare to be;
She was declared incompetent
Judge held that the defendant was innocent
Hold
Have as a major characteristic;
The novel holds many surprises
The book holds in store much valuable advise
Hold
Cause to stop;
Halt the engines
Arrest the progress
Halt the presses
Hold
Bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted;
He's held by a contract
I'll hold you by your promise
Hold
Cover as for protection against noise or smell;
She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate
Hold one's nose
Hold
Drink alcohol without showing ill effects;
He can hold his liquor
He had drunk more than he could carry
Hold
Be pertinent or relevant or applicable;
The same laws apply to you!
This theory holds for all irrational numbers
The same rules go for everyone
Hold
Arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance;
Reserve me a seat on a flight
The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family
Please hold a table at Maxim's
Hold
Resist or confront with resistance;
The politician defied public opinion
The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear
The bridge held
Hold
Keep from departing;
Hold the taxi
Hold the horse
Hold
Stop dealing with;
Hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting
Hold
Aim, point, or direct;
Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames
Hold
Be in accord; be in agreement;
We agreed on the terms of the settlement
I can't agree with you!
I hold with those who say life is sacred
Both philosophers concord on this point
Hold
To carry or support with one's hands or arms.
Please hold the door open for the others.
Hold
To maintain a grasp, position, or stance.
Hold your position until the signal is given.
Hold
To conduct or organize an event or meeting.
The club will hold its annual meeting virtually this year.
Common Curiosities
Is "hold" always physical?
No, it can be metaphorical, like holding a thought or a position in a debate.
Can "hold" refer to a legal action?
Yes, like holding someone in custody or holding a patent.
How does one "host" an online event?
By organizing and providing the platform for the event to take place virtually.
What's a "host" in a technological context?
It's a computer or server that houses data or services accessible to users.
Can "hold" be used in a financial context?
Yes, like holding shares in a company or holding an account.
Does "hold" have different meanings in different contexts?
Absolutely, its meaning varies from physically holding to holding an opinion.
What does it mean to host a guest?
It means to welcome and take care of a guest's needs during their stay.
Can "host" have a negative connotation?
Yes, when referring to parasites, the host is often at a disadvantage.
Can "host" refer to non-human entities?
Yes, animals and plants can be hosts to parasites, and computers can be hosts to websites.
What does "hold the line" mean?
It can mean to maintain one's position or to persist in an action under pressure.
Can "host" be used as a verb and a noun?
Yes, you can host an event (verb) or be the host of an event (noun).
Can "host" mean to store or provide space for something?
Indirectly, yes, as in hosting data on a server.
How do you use "host" in a sentence?
"We decided to host the holiday dinner at our house this year."
What does it mean to "hold one's own"?
It means to be self-sufficient or maintain one's position in a challenging situation.
What does "hold true" mean?
It means that a fact, principle, or belief remains valid or accurate.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Noticed vs. Noted
Next Comparison
Tender vs. ContractAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
