Polling: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the act of voting or the process of collecting votes, often in elections.

• On election day, the polling stations were open from 7 AM to 8 PM.
• The company used polling to determine the most popular product among customers.

Denotes a broader method of collecting data and information from a group of people, which could include various techniques such as questionnaires, interviews, or observations.

• We conducted a survey to understand employee satisfaction within the company.
• The survey results indicated a high level of customer satisfaction with the new product.

Refers to a set of written or printed questions used to gather information from respondents, often used in research, surveys, or assessments.

• The research team handed out a questionnaire to collect data on consumer behavior.
• Participants were asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire about their dietary habits.

Applied when talking about a method of gauging public opinion on various topics, typically through questions asked to a random sample of people.

• The opinion poll showed that 60% of people support the new policy.
• Before launching the new campaign, they conducted an opinion poll to understand the audience's preferences.

Polling is often used to describe the process of counting and collecting votes, or asking people's opinions in surveys. It’s commonly mentioned in contexts involving the procedure of gathering data or votes.

• The polling stations will open at 7 AM.
• A recent polling suggests that the candidate has a strong lead.

Voting describes the action of making a choice or decision in an election or on a particular issue. This term can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• Voting is a fundamental right in a democracy.
• Online voting will be available for those unable to attend in person.

Balloting typically refers to the process of voting, especially when using ballots. It is often used in formal and official contexts, such as elections or organizational votes.

• The balloting for the new committee members will take place next month.
• Balloting proceeded smoothly despite the rain.

Election refers to the organized process in which people vote to choose leaders or decide on policies. It commonly appears in governmental, organizational, or community contexts.

• The presidential election is held every four years.
• Turnout for the local election was surprisingly high.

Used in the context of gathering opinions or votes from a specific group, often related to elections or public opinion on certain issues.

• The company was polling its employees to understand their preferences for the new office layout.
• Polling stations will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM on election day.

Utilized when gathering detailed information from a group of people, often through a structured questionnaire. Frequently used in market research, academic studies, or customer feedback.

• The hotel conducted a survey to gather feedback from its guests about their stay.
• We are planning to survey residents about their satisfaction with the new park.

Commonly used in everyday conversations when asking for information or clarification on any topic.

• I want to question the chef about the ingredients used in this dish.
• Students were encouraged to question their teachers about anything they didn't understand.

Appropriate in technical or research contexts where information is being systematically gathered for analysis or study.

• Researchers are collecting data on the effects of the new medication.
• We need to collect data from various sources to make an informed decision.