# survey

/ˈsɝˌveɪ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/survey
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a questionnaire

noun · CEFR A2 · General-service

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

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

- The company sent out a customer satisfaction survey to see how people liked the new app.
- The recent national survey indicates a significant shift in public opinion regarding environmental policy among younger demographics.

### 2. inspection of a building

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

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

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

- Before buying the old house, we paid for a professional survey to check the roof.
- The structural survey revealed several underlying issues with the foundations that the initial viewing had failed to uncover.

### 3. measuring land

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

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

- The government ordered a new survey of the coast to update the official maps.
- A geological survey was commissioned to determine the viability of the site for the proposed hydroelectric dam.

### 4. to ask questions

verb · CEFR B1

to ask a group of people questions to collect information.

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

- Researchers surveyed over one thousand students about their sleeping habits.
- The marketing department surveyed a broad cross-section of the population to gauge interest in the upcoming product launch.

### 5. to look at carefully

verb · CEFR B2

to look at or examine something carefully from a distance.

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

- The captain stood on the deck to survey the horizon for any signs of other ships.
- From the hilltop, the general surveyed the valley below, carefully noting the enemy's defensive positions before the sun went down.

## Examples

- The school conducted a survey about the new lunch menu.
- According to a recent survey, most employees prefer a hybrid work schedule over being in the office full-time.
- The government commissioned a comprehensive survey to gauge public sentiment regarding the proposed environmental regulations before drafting the final legislation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.