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Survey: meaning, definitions and examples

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survey

 

[ˈsɜːr.veɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

research

A detailed study or analysis of a subject, especially in order to gather information or opinions.

Synonyms

poll, questionnaire, study.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
survey

Used when gathering information from a group of people, usually through a set of questions. Commonly applied in academic research, market research, and general data collection.

  • The company conducted a survey to understand customer satisfaction.
  • Students were asked to complete a survey about their online learning experience.
poll

Often refers to collecting opinions or votes on a specific issue. Common in political contexts, opinion studies, and media reporting.

  • The latest poll shows that the candidate is leading by a narrow margin.
  • A quick online poll revealed that most people prefer summer over winter.
questionnaire

A specific tool used to gather data through a set of predetermined questions, typically in written form. Often used in research, evaluations, and feedback processes.

  • Participants were asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire about their travel habits.
  • The health clinic used a questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction.
study

Refers to a detailed investigation or analysis of a subject. Used broadly in scientific research, academic work, and in-depth analyses.

  • The recent study on climate change highlights the urgent need for action.
  • The scientist published a study on the effects of sleep deprivation.

Examples of usage

  • We conducted a survey to gather feedback from our customers.
  • The survey results showed a strong preference for option B.
Context #2 | Noun

land

The measurement of an area of land, usually recorded in acres or square meters.

Synonyms

assessment, measurement, valuation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
survey

Use in situations where you are collecting opinions, feedback, or information from a group of people.

  • We conducted a survey to find out customer satisfaction levels
  • The survey showed that most employees are happy with the new policy
measurement

Use when you need to quantify or determine the size, amount, or degree of something.

  • Accurate measurement of ingredients is key to a successful recipe
  • The scientist took measurements of the sample's temperature
assessment

Use when you need to evaluate or appraise value, quality, or importance of something. Often used in academic or professional settings.

  • The teacher's assessment of the student's project was very positive
  • We performed a risk assessment before starting the project
valuation

Use when determining the monetary worth or market value of an asset or property. Commonly used in financial and real estate contexts.

  • The bank provided a valuation of the property before approving the loan
  • An expert conducted a valuation of the company's assets for the sale

Examples of usage

  • The survey of the land revealed it was larger than originally thought.
  • The surveyor marked the boundaries of the property.
Context #3 | Verb

research

To investigate or examine something thoroughly.

Synonyms

examine, explore, inspect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
survey

Used to collect general data or opinions from a group of people. Often involves questionnaires or interviews and is common in fields like marketing, sociology, and public health.

  • We conducted a survey to understand customer satisfaction levels.
  • The government issued a survey to assess public opinion on new policies.
examine

Used when looking at something closely to understand it better or to find details. Common in academic, scientific, and medical contexts.

  • The doctor will examine the patient to diagnose the illness.
  • Researchers examined the data to find patterns and trends.
inspect

Used when checking something carefully to ensure it meets standards or regulations, often associated with quality control and auditing. Can have a negative connotation if it implies finding faults.

  • The building was inspected for safety hazards.
  • Customs officials inspected the luggage for contraband items.
explore

Used when investigating or traveling through an area or subject to learn more about it, often in a broad or open-ended manner. Common in adventure, research, and personal development contexts.

  • They decided to explore the uncharted regions of the Amazon rainforest.
  • Our goal is to explore new ways to enhance learning using technology.

Examples of usage

  • She surveyed the market before launching her new product.
  • The team surveyed the area for potential risks.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'surveier', meaning 'to oversee' or 'to look over'.
  • It is built from the Latin roots 'super' (over) and 'videre' (to see), reflecting the act of looking closely at a subject.

Science

  • Surveys are essential in social science research to gather quantitative data from a target population.
  • The methodology of surveys can significantly affect the accuracy of the gathered information and people’s responses.

Pop Culture

  • Surveys paved the way for public opinion polling, which influences politics, media, and marketing strategies today.
  • Surveys play a vital role in shows like 'The Voice,' where audience votes shape the outcomes of contestants.

Psychology

  • The phrasing of survey questions can affect how people respond, showcasing the psychology behind human behavior.
  • Surveys that include open-ended questions allow respondents to provide deeper insights beyond multiple-choice options.

History

  • The first known surveys date back to ancient Egypt when land was measured for tax purposes after flooding of the Nile.
  • Modern surveying techniques were first utilized during the Renaissance, contributing to advancements in cartography and land ownership.

Translations

Translations of the word "survey" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pesquisa

🇮🇳 सर्वेक्षण

🇩🇪 Umfrage

🇮🇩 survei

🇺🇦 опитування

🇵🇱 ankieta

🇯🇵 調査 (ちょうさ)

🇫🇷 enquête

🇪🇸 encuesta

🇹🇷 anket

🇰🇷 설문 조사 (설문 조사)

🇸🇦 استطلاع

🇨🇿 průzkum

🇸🇰 prieskum

🇨🇳 调查 (diàochá)

🇸🇮 anketa

🇮🇸 könnun

🇰🇿 сауалнама

🇬🇪 გამოკითხვა

🇦🇿 sorğu

🇲🇽 encuesta

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,235, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.