h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Is it me? Or do others feel that this word is artificial or based on the misunderstanding that it means "those who attend"?
Surely it means "those who are attended"?
Why therefore are people who attend exhibitions, workshops, conferences and the like described as attendees, when they should be called attenders?
Or am I missing something here? BBC style guide, anyone?
Best wishes - Paddy

Hiya Paddy-Dzell, if you visit your page, you'll see Cal has left you a welcoming message.

BTW I agree

Perhaps I can help out here, PD.

[ Welcome to the site, by the way ]

One online dictionary site offers these six definitions for attend:
1) To be present at: attended class.
2) To accompany as a circumstance or follow as a result: The speech was attended by wild applause.
3) To accompany or wait upon as a companion or servant.
4) To take care of (a sick person, for example). See synonyms at tend2.
5) To take charge of: They attended our affairs during our absence.
6) To listen to; heed: attended my every word.

When attend-ing a conference (see def. 1), one is expected to pay attention (see def 6 - notice the root of attention). Now, the people hosting the convention are to take care of things (see def 3, 4, and 5) would be the attenders, for those who have come to be recipients of the attention (see def 6, again) who would therefore be attendees.

Clear as mud yet?