Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Census: meaning, definitions and examples

📊
Add to dictionary

census

 

[ˈsɛnsəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

population count

A census is an official count of the number of people in a country or region, including details such as age, sex, and occupation. It is usually conducted by the government for various purposes such as resource allocation, representation, and planning.

Synonyms

enumeration, population count.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
census

Refers to a detailed official count of a population, typically done by a government. Often includes various demographic information such as age, gender, and occupation.

  • The government conducts a census every ten years to gather comprehensive data about the population
  • The results of the census help in policy making and resource allocation
population count

A general term for counting the number of people in a specific area. This term is less formal and can be used in everyday conversation.

  • The population count of our city has increased significantly
  • We need to conduct a new population count to update our records
enumeration

A more formal or technical term for counting individuals in a population. This can be used in academic, scientific, or technical discussions.

  • The enumeration of citizens is essential for planning public services
  • Accurate enumeration ensures that communities receive proper funding

Examples of usage

  • The census revealed an increase in the population of the city.
  • The government uses census data to make decisions on public services.
  • The census is conducted every ten years to update demographic information.
Context #2 | Noun

survey

Census can also refer to a survey or collection of data on a particular topic or group of people. It is used in research and statistics to gather information for analysis and study.

Synonyms

poll, survey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
census

Used typically when referring to the official count of a population in a particular area, often conducted by government agencies. It happens at regular intervals and helps in planning for public services.

  • The government conducts a census every ten years.
  • The census data revealed that the population has increased significantly.
survey

Utilized in a broad range of contexts, from academic research to customer satisfaction. It usually involves asking questions to gather data for analysis and can cover various topics.

  • The survey asked participants about their shopping habits.
  • They conducted a survey to assess the effectiveness of the new teaching methods.
poll

Generally applied to voting processes, elections, or opinion sampling. It collects information about public opinions or preferences, often informal and can happen at any time.

  • The latest poll shows that the candidate has an edge over his opponent.
  • They conducted a poll to see what the community thinks about the new park.

Examples of usage

  • We conducted a census of customer preferences to improve our products.
  • The school conducted a census of student satisfaction levels.
  • The census of wildlife populations helped conservation efforts.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Latin 'censere,' meaning 'to assess' or 'estimate.'
  • The first recorded census happened in ancient Babylon around 4000 BC to help in tax collection.
  • In ancient Rome, censuses were conducted every five years to help organize the government and military.

Government Role

  • Most countries conduct a national census every 10 years to gather data about their population.
  • Census data helps governments plan services, like schools and hospitals, based on where people live.
  • In the United States, the Constitution mandates a census every decade to ensure equal representation in Congress.

Cultural Impact

  • Different cultures conduct censuses in unique ways, reflecting their values and social structures.
  • In some countries, censuses include questions about ethnicity and language to promote inclusivity.
  • Census results can influence cultural policies, such as how languages are taught in schools.

Technology

  • Modern censuses often use digital tools, improving the accuracy and speed of collecting data.
  • Remote surveying techniques, like satellite imagery, help in areas that are hard to reach.
  • Privacy and data security have become major concerns as more personal information is collected in censuses.

Statistics and Social Science

  • Census data is vital for sociologists studying trends like migration patterns and family structures.
  • Researchers use census results to forecast future population growth and its impacts on resources.
  • Censuses can reveal disparities in income, education, and access to healthcare among different groups.

Translations

Translations of the word "census" in other languages:

🇵🇹 censo

🇮🇳 जनगणना

🇩🇪 Volkszählung

🇮🇩 sensus

🇺🇦 перепис населення

🇵🇱 spis ludności

🇯🇵 国勢調査 (こくせいちょうさ)

🇫🇷 recensement

🇪🇸 censo

🇹🇷 nüfus sayımı

🇰🇷 인구 조사 (人口調査)

🇸🇦 تعداد السكان

🇨🇿 sčítání lidu

🇸🇰 sčítanie obyvateľov

🇨🇳 人口普查 (rénkǒu pǔchá)

🇸🇮 popis prebivalstva

🇮🇸 manntal

🇰🇿 халық санағы

🇬🇪 მოსახლეობის აღწერა

🇦🇿 əhali siyahıyaalınması

🇲🇽 censo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,600, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.