ENGLISH
REFERENCE

survey

n. · v.
US //ˈsɝˌveɪ// sur·vey
  1. 1 a questionnaire (n.)
    A2 Elementary General-service

    a set of questions you ask many people to find out their opinions or habits.

    a research method used for collecting data from a predefined group of respondents to gain information and insights into various topics.

    Example

    The company sent out a customer satisfaction survey to see how people liked the new app.

    Example

    The recent national survey indicates a significant shift in public opinion regarding environmental policy among younger demographics.
  2. 2 inspection of a building (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a careful examination of a house or building to check its condition.

    a detailed inspection of a property's condition, typically conducted by a professional before a sale is finalised.

    Example

    Before buying the old house, we paid for a professional survey to check the roof.

    Example

    The structural survey revealed several underlying issues with the foundations that the initial viewing had failed to uncover.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 measuring land (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    the act of measuring an area of land to make a map or find boundaries.

    the process of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.

    Example

    The government ordered a new survey of the coast to update the official maps.

    Example

    A geological survey was commissioned to determine the viability of the site for the proposed hydroelectric dam.
  2. 4 to ask questions (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to ask a group of people questions to collect information.

    to investigate the opinions or experiences of a group by means of a questionnaire or interview.

    Example

    Researchers surveyed over one thousand students about their sleeping habits.

    Example

    The marketing department surveyed a broad cross-section of the population to gauge interest in the upcoming product launch.
  3. 5 to look at carefully (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to look at or examine something carefully from a distance.

    to scan or view an area or situation comprehensively to form a general impression.

    Example

    The captain stood on the deck to survey the horizon for any signs of other ships.

    Example

    From the hilltop, the general surveyed the valley below, carefully noting the enemy's defensive positions before the sun went down.
Origin

From Middle English surveyen, from Old French sourveoir, surveer (“to oversee”), from sour-, sur- (“over”) + veoir, veeir (“to see”), from Latin videre. See sur- and vision. Related to supervision.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference