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Canvasser Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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canvasser

[ˈkæn.və.sɚ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

political campaign

A canvasser is a person who visits individuals or households to solicit opinions or gather information, often related to political campaigns. Canvassers aim to persuade people to vote for a particular candidate or party. They may also gather data on community issues, helping to inform campaigns and policy decisions. Their work often involves door-to-door outreach, phone banking, or engagement at public events. Canvassing is a critical strategy in mobilizing voter support and assessing public sentiment.

Synonyms

campaigner, pollster, solicitor.

Examples of usage

  • The canvasser knocked on our door to discuss the upcoming election.
  • During the campaign, she worked as a canvasser, helping to register new voters.
  • The local party hired several canvassers to gather opinions on neighborhood issues.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Politics

  • Canvassing is a crucial part of political campaigns, allowing candidates to gauge voter opinions and persuade them ahead of elections.
  • In the United States, volunteer canvassers have become a key strategy for grassroots movements, helping to connect communities with issues.

Social Influence

  • Studies show that direct interaction by canvassers can significantly increase voter turnout, sometimes by up to 10%.
  • Canvassing not only gathers data but also fosters community engagement, encouraging discussions on local issues and policies.

Education

  • Many organizations use canvassing as a teaching method to encourage students to research and understand civic issues better.
  • Educational programs often train young people in canvassing techniques to help them become more active in their communities.

Pop Culture

  • Canvassers have been portrayed in films and TV shows, often depicted as characters trying to sway public opinion or promote social change.
  • In protests and movements, canvassing serves as a method for activists to raise awareness, as seen in various social justice campaigns.

Origin of 'canvasser'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'canvasser' comes from the 19th century and is linked to 'canvas', where it initially referred to someone who examined or evaluated.
  • The addition of the '-er' suffix indicates someone who performs the action, making it a term focused on the act of surveying or polling.

The term 'canvasser' originates from the word 'canvass', which dates back to the early 16th century. The word 'canvass' itself is derived from the Middle English 'canvassen', which meant to examine or secure opinions. This was further influenced by the Middle Dutch word 'canvas', meaning 'to discuss', and the Latin word 'canna', which means 'reed' or 'tube', referring to something that could be passed around for examination. By the 18th century, the use of 'canvass' in a political context became common, where candidates would seek opinions or support through personal outreach. The modern usage of 'canvasser' reflects the role of individuals in political campaigns or surveys, embodying the act of engaging with the public to influence or gather insights.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,223, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.