Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense surveys, present participle surveying, past tense, past participle surveyedpronunciation note: The noun is pronounced (sɜːʳveɪ). The verb is pronounced (səʳveɪ), and can also be pronounced (sɜːʳveɪ) in meanings [sense 2] and , [sense 6].pronunciation note: The noun is pronounced (sɜːʳveɪ). The verb is pronounced (səʳveɪ), and can also be pronounced (sɜːʳveɪ) in meanings [sense 2] and , [sense 6].
1. countable noun
If you carry out a survey, you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions.
The council conducted a survey of the uses to which farm buildings are put.
According to the survey, overall world trade has also slackened.
Synonyms: poll, study, research, review More Synonyms of survey
2. verb
If you survey a number of people, companies, or organizations, you try to find out information about their opinions or behaviour, usually by asking them a series of questions.
Business Development Advisers surveyed 211 companies for the report. [VERB noun]
Only 18 percent of those surveyed opposed the idea. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: interview, question, poll, study More Synonyms of survey
3. verb
If you survey something, you look at or consider the whole of it carefully.
He pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room. [VERB noun]
He surveys American politics with a conservative world view. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: look over, view, scan, examine More Synonyms of survey
4. singular noun [with supplement, oft NOUNof noun]
If you give something a brief survey or a quick survey, you look at or consider all of it quickly, but not in detail.
...a brief survey of some important books on astrology.
He sniffed the perfume she wore, then gave her a quick survey.
Synonyms: examination, inspection, scrutiny, overview More Synonyms of survey
5. countable noun
If someone carries out a survey of an area of land, they examine it and measure it, usually in order to make a mapof it.
...the organizer of the geological survey of India.
The scientists conducted two aerial surveys followed by two ground surveys.
6. verb
If someone surveys an area of land, they examine it and measure it, usually in order to make a map ofit.
The council commissioned geological experts to survey the cliffs. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: measure, estimate, prospect, assess More Synonyms of survey
surveyinguncountable noun
...data relating to astronomy, astrology, surveying and navigation.
...surveying equipment.
7. countable noun
A survey is a careful examination of the condition and structure of a house, usually carried out in order to give information to a person who wants to buy it.
[mainly British]
...a structural survey undertaken by a qualified surveyor.
regional note: in AM, use inspection
Synonyms: valuation, pricing, estimate, assessment More Synonyms of survey
8. verb
If someone surveys a house, they examine it carefully and report on its structure, usually in orderto give advice to a person who is thinking of buying it.
[mainly British]
...the people who surveyed the house for the mortgage. [VERB noun]
regional note: in AM, use inspect
surveyinguncountable noun
Jobs available include surveying, electrical work, and plumbing.
survey in British English
verb (sɜːˈveɪ, ˈsɜːveɪ)
1. (transitive)
to view or consider in a comprehensive or general way
to survey the situation
2. (transitive)
to examine carefully, as or as if to appraise value
to survey oneself in a mirror
3.
to plot a detailed map of (an area of land) by measuring or calculating distances and height
4. British
to inspect (a building) to determine its condition and value
5.
to examine (a vessel) thoroughly in order to determine its seaworthiness
6. (transitive)
to run a statistical survey on (incomes, opinions, etc)
noun (ˈsɜːveɪ)
7.
a comprehensive or general view
a survey of English literature
8.
a critical, detailed, and formal inspection
a survey of the nation's hospitals
9. British
an inspection of a building to determine its condition and value
10.
a report incorporating the results of such an inspection
11.
a.
a body of surveyors
b.
an area surveyed
12. statistics
a random sample
Derived forms
surveyable (surˈveyable)
adjective
Word origin
C15: from French surveoir, from sur-1 + veoir to see, from Latin vidēre
survey in American English
(sərˈveɪ; also, and for n. usually, ˈsɜrˌveɪ)
verb transitive
1.
to examine for some specific purpose; inspect or consider carefully; review in detail
2.
to look at or consider, esp. in a general or comprehensive way; view
3.
to determine the location, form, or boundaries of (a tract of land) by measuring the lines and angles in accordance with the principles of geometry and trigonometry
4.
to make a survey of
verb intransitive
5.
to survey land
nounWord forms: pluralˈsurveys
6.
a detailed study or inspection, as by gathering information through observations, questionnaires, etc. and analyzing it
7.
a general view; comprehensive study or examination
a survey of Italian art
8.
a.
the process of surveying a tract of land
b.
a tract surveyed
c.
a plan or written description of this
Word origin
ME surveien < Anglo-Fr surveier < OFr surveoir < sur- (see sur-1) + veoir < L videre, to see: see vision
COBUILD Collocations
survey
commission a survey
comprehensive survey
conduct a survey
crime survey
employee survey
monthly survey
quarterly survey
recent survey
satisfaction survey
trends survey
Examples of 'survey' in a sentence
survey
Their sole claim to ownership lay in the survey and the map that came from it.
Andro Linklater MEASURING AMERICA (2002)
The entire administration of the public lands survey had to be overhauled.
Andro Linklater MEASURING AMERICA (2002)
Other surveys give a similar promising picture.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Visitors can also survey the battlefield and consult the disposition of troops on a tiled plan.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We surveyed certain areas by pretending to be members of the public.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You will be contacted when the survey opens with details about how to take part.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Staff surveys are carefully constructed so as not to address critical issues.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Her school has conducted a survey of parents and pupils about their use of technology.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
For archaeologists these aerial surveys during a drought are a great prize.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
And a recent survey showed two thirds felt they could not afford to own their own property.
The Sun (2013)
Aerial photographs are often taken from aircraft and provide useful information for map making and surveys.
Jilbert, John Geography Basic Facts (1983)
But the aim has not been to survey these big areas.
Peter F. Drucker MANAGEMENT: task, responsibilities, practices (1974)
See website for terms and survey details.
The Sun (2009)
It sends members about two or three surveys a month.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The survey gives an early indication of how the economy fared in the first three months of the year.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Let's do a quick survey to see which popular brands took up the.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The survey also reported that the public's confidence in police is increasing.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The survey asked young people 's opinions of the way celebrities speak.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
How was your experience of this hotel: fill in a quick survey.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Arriving within sight of his old home, he rested on his oars and surveyed the land cautiously.
Kenneth Grahame The Wind in the Willows (1908)
Guidance sent out yesterday details how schools should carry out the survey and contains sample letters of how to tell parents about the results.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Last year you were told that it came stone dead last in a survey to find Britain's most environmentally friendly cars.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
survey
British English: survey /ˈsɜːveɪ/ NOUN
If you carry out a survey, you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions.
They conducted a survey to see how students study.
American English: survey
Arabic: اِسْتِعْراض
Brazilian Portuguese: pesquisa
Chinese: 勘测
Croatian: pregled
Czech: průzkum anketa
Danish: rundspørge
Dutch: onderzoek
European Spanish: inspección
Finnish: tutkimus kysely
French: enquête
German: Umfrage
Greek: έρευνα
Italian: sondaggio
Japanese: 調査
Korean: 조사
Norwegian: spørreundersøkelse
Polish: badanie ankieta
European Portuguese: estudo
Romanian: sondaj
Russian: опрос
Latin American Spanish: inspección
Swedish: undersökning
Thai: การสำรวจ
Turkish: inceleme
Ukrainian: огляд
Vietnamese: cuộc điều tra
British English: survey VERB
If you survey a number of people, companies, or organizations, you try to find out information about their opinions or behaviour, usually by asking them a series of questions.
Business Development Advisers surveyed 211 companies for the report.
American English: survey
Brazilian Portuguese: pesquisar
Chinese: 调查
European Spanish: encuestar
French: sonder
German: untersuchen
Italian: intervistareper un sondaggio
Japanese: アンケートをとる
Korean: 설문 조사하다
European Portuguese: pesquisar
Latin American Spanish: encuestar
All related terms of 'survey'
spot survey
a survey taken immediately and at random
survey fee
the money paid to a surveyor for an inspection of a building to determine its condition and value
survey ship
a vessel designed to carry out research and surveying
aerial survey
a survey carried out from the air, using an aeroplane or helicopter
crime survey
If you carry out a survey , you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions .
damage survey
an inspection by an insurance company of something that has been damaged and for which an insurance claim has been made, in order to determine the extent and cause of damage
recent survey
If you carry out a survey , you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions .
sample survey
a survey of particular examples of something, intended as representative of the whole category
survey course
an academic course providing an overview of a broad subject area
trends survey
If you carry out a survey , you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions.
attitude survey
a survey of the opinions held by a particular group of people
dialect survey
a survey carried out in order to ascertain which dialect forms are used in which area
employee survey
If you carry out a survey , you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions .
monthly survey
If you carry out a survey , you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions.
opinion survey
→ another name for opinion poll
Ordnance Survey
the official map-making body of the British or Irish government
seismic survey
A seismic survey is a method of investigating underground properties and rock patterns using induced shock wave reflections .
survey evidence
Evidence is anything that you see, experience, read , or are told that causes you to believe that something is true or has really happened .
Geological Survey
a government-sponsored organization working in the field of geology , such as the US Geological Survey , the Geological Survey of India, or the Institute of Geological Sciences (UK)
quarterly survey
If you carry out a survey , you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions.
structural survey
an examination of a property carried out by surveyor which should reveal any problems with the building
comprehensive survey
If you carry out a survey , you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions .
conduct a survey
If you carry out a survey , you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions .
satisfaction survey
If you carry out a survey , you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions .
commission a survey
If you carry out a survey , you try to find out detailed information about a lot of different people or things, usually by asking people a series of questions .
Ordnance Survey map
An Ordnance Survey map is a detailed map produced by the British or Irish government map-making organization.
follow-up study
a second study made as a follow-up to an initial study
Chinese translation of 'survey'
survey
(nˈsəːveɪ; vbsəːˈveɪ)
n(c)
(esp Brit)[of house]查勘 (chákān)
美 = inspection
[of land]测(測)量 (cèliáng)
(= poll) 民意测(測)验(驗) (mínyì cèyàn) (项, xiàng)
vt
(esp Brit)[house]查勘 (chákān)
美 = inspect
(= examine, measure)[land]测(測)量 (cèliáng)
(= carry out survey on)[people, organizations]调(調)查 (diàochá)
(= look at)[scene, work etc]审(審)视(視) (shěnshì)
1 (noun)
Definition
a detailed investigation of the behaviour, opinions, etc., of a group of people
According to the survey, overall world trade has also slackened.
Synonyms
poll
Polls show that the party is losing support.
study
the first study of English children's attitudes
research
His groundbreaking research will be vital in future developments.
review
a review on the training and education of over-16s
inquiry
a murder inquiry
investigation
He ordered an investigation into the affair.
sampling
opinion poll
75% of people questioned in our opinion poll agreed with the government.
questionnaire
census
2 (noun)
She gave the newspaper a quick survey.
Synonyms
examination
They have taken the documents away for examination.
inspection
A routine inspection of the vessel turned up 50 kg of the drug.
scrutiny
His private life came under media scrutiny.
overview
The preface to the book is a historical overview of the welfare state.
once-over (informal)
perusal
a quick perusal of the situations-vacant column
3 (noun)
Definition
an inspection of a building to assess its condition and value
a structural survey undertaken by a qualified surveyor
Synonyms
valuation
The valuations reflect what a property is worth now.
pricing
estimate
This figure is five times the original estimate.
assessment
He was referred to a specialist for assessment.
appraisal
He has resisted being drawn into the business of cost appraisal.
1 (verb)
Definition
to make a detailed investigation of the behaviour, opinions, etc., of (a group of people)
Only 18 percent of those surveyed opposed the idea.
Synonyms
interview
The police interviewed the driver, but they had no evidence to go on.
question
A man is being questioned by police.
poll
More than 18,000 people were polled.
study
Debbie studied her friend's face for a moment.
research
They research the needs of both employers and staff.
investigate
Gas officials are investigating the cause of the explosion.
sample
canvass
The survey canvassed the views of almost 80 economists.
cross-examine
The accused's lawyers will get a chance to cross-examine him.
2 (verb)
Definition
to view or consider (something) as a whole
He pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room.
Synonyms
look over
view
The mourners filed past to view the body.
scan
She scanned the advertisement pages of the newspaper.
examine
He examined her passport and stamped it.
observe
He studies and observes the behaviour of babies.
contemplate
She contemplated her hands thoughtfully.
supervise
inspect
Cut the fruit in half and inspect the pips.
eyeball (slang)
scrutinize
She scrutinized his features.
size up
take stock of
eye up
recce (slang)
reconnoitre
I left a sergeant in charge and rode forward to reconnoitre.
3 (verb)
Definition
to inspect (a building) to assess its condition and value
Geological experts were commissioned to survey the land.
Synonyms
measure
Measure the length and width of the gap.
estimate
His personal riches were estimated at over £80 million.
prospect
The companies are prospecting for oil not far from here.
assess
The test was to assess aptitude rather than academic achievement.
appraise
Many companies were prompted to appraise their recruitment policies.
triangulate
review
He reviewed the troops.
plot
Additional synonyms
in the sense of appraisal
Definition
an assessment of the worth or quality of a person or thing
He has resisted being drawn into the business of cost appraisal.
Synonyms
valuation,
pricing,
rating,
survey,
reckoning,
assay
in the sense of appraise
Definition
to assess the worth, value, or quality of
Many companies were prompted to appraise their recruitment policies.
Synonyms
assess,
judge,
review,
estimate,
survey,
price,
rate,
value,
evaluate,
inspect,
gauge,
size up (informal),
eye up,
assay,
recce (slang)
in the sense of assess
Definition
to judge the worth or importance of
The test was to assess aptitude rather than academic achievement.
Synonyms
judge,
determine,
estimate,
fix,
analyse,
evaluate,
rate,
value,
check out,
compute,
gauge,
weigh up,
appraise,
size up (informal),
eye up
Synonyms of 'survey'
survey
Explore 'survey' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of assessment
He was referred to a specialist for assessment.
Synonyms
judgment,
analysis,
determination,
evaluation,
valuation,
appraisal,
estimation,
rating,
opinion,
estimate,
computation
in the sense of canvass
Definition
to find out the opinions of (people) by conducting a survey
The survey canvassed the views of almost 80 economists.
Synonyms
poll,
study,
examine,
investigate,
analyse,
scan,
inspect,
sift,
scrutinize
in the sense of contemplate
Definition
to look at thoughtfully
She contemplated her hands thoughtfully.
Synonyms
look at,
examine,
observe,
check out (informal),
inspect,
gaze at,
behold (archaic, literary),
eye up,
view,
study,
regard,
survey,
stare at,
scrutinize,
eye
in the sense of cross-examine
Definition
to question closely or relentlessly
The accused's lawyers will get a chance to cross-examine him.
Synonyms
question,
grill (informal),
quiz,
interrogate,
catechize,
pump
in the sense of estimate
Definition
an approximate calculation
This figure is five times the original estimate.
Synonyms
approximate calculation,
guess,
reckoning,
assessment,
judgment,
evaluation,
valuation,
appraisal,
educated guess,
guesstimate (informal),
rough calculation,
ballpark figure (informal),
approximate cost,
approximate price,
appraisement
in the sense of estimate
Definition
to form an approximate idea of (size, cost, etc.)
His personal riches were estimated at over £80 million.
Synonyms
calculate roughly,
value,
guess,
judge,
reckon,
assess,
evaluate,
gauge,
number,
appraise
in the sense of examine
Definition
to inspect carefully or in detail
He examined her passport and stamped it.
Synonyms
inspect,
test,
consider,
study,
check,
research,
review,
survey,
investigate,
explore,
probe,
analyse,
scan,
vet,
check out,
ponder,
look over,
look at,
sift through,
work over,
pore over,
appraise,
scrutinize,
peruse,
take stock of,
assay,
recce (slang),
look at carefully,
go over or through
in the sense of inquiry
Definition
an investigation
a murder inquiry
Synonyms
investigation,
hearing,
study,
review,
search,
survey,
analysis,
examination,
probe,
inspection,
exploration,
scrutiny,
inquest
in the sense of inspect
Definition
to examine closely, esp. for faults or errors
Cut the fruit in half and inspect the pips.
Synonyms
examine,
check,
look at,
view,
eye,
survey,
observe,
scan,
check out (informal),
look over,
eyeball (slang),
scrutinize,
give (something or someone) the once-over (informal),
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
go over or through
in the sense of inspection
A routine inspection of the vessel turned up 50 kg of the drug.
Synonyms
check,
search,
investigation,
review,
survey,
examination,
scan,
scrutiny,
supervision,
surveillance,
look-over,
once-over (informal),
checkup,
recce (slang),
superintendence
Additional synonyms
in the sense of investigate
Definition
to inquire into (a situation or problem) thoroughly in order to discover the truth
Gas officials are investigating the cause of the explosion.
Synonyms
examine,
study,
research,
consider,
go into,
explore,
search for,
analyse,
look into,
inspect,
look over,
sift,
probe into,
work over,
scrutinize,
inquire into,
make inquiries about,
enquire into
in the sense of investigation
Definition
a careful search or examination in order to discover facts
He ordered an investigation into the affair.
Synonyms
examination,
study,
inquiry,
hearing,
research,
review,
search,
survey,
analysis,
probe,
inspection,
exploration,
scrutiny,
inquest,
fact finding,
recce (slang)
in the sense of observe
Definition
to watch (something) carefully
He studies and observes the behaviour of babies.
Synonyms
watch,
study,
view,
look at,
note,
check,
regard,
survey,
monitor,
contemplate,
check out (informal),
look on,
keep an eye on (informal),
gaze at,
pay attention to,
keep track of,
scrutinize,
keep tabs on (informal),
recce (slang),
keep under observation,
watch like a hawk,
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
in the sense of opinion poll
75% of people questioned in our opinion poll agreed with the government.
Synonyms
poll,
survey,
ballot,
census,
Gallup Poll
in the sense of overview
Definition
a general survey
The preface to the book is a historical overview of the welfare state.
Synonyms
survey,
study,
review,
résumé,
outline,
summing-up,
rundown,
synopsis,
précis
in the sense of perusal
a quick perusal of the situations-vacant column
Synonyms
read,
study,
check,
examination,
inspection,
scrutiny,
browse,
look through
in the sense of prospect
Definition
to search for gold or other valuable minerals
The companies are prospecting for oil not far from here.
Synonyms
look,
search,
seek,
survey,
explore,
drill,
go after,
dowse
in the sense of question
Definition
to put a question or questions to (a person)
A man is being questioned by police.
Synonyms
interrogate,
cross-examine,
interview,
examine,
investigate,
pump (informal),
probe,
grill (informal),
quiz,
ask questions,
sound out,
catechize
in the sense of reconnoitre
Definition
to make a reconnaissance of
I left a sergeant in charge and rode forward to reconnoitre.
Synonyms
inspect,
investigate,
make a reconnaissance (of),
see how the land lies,
case (slang),
survey,
observe,
explore,
patrol,
scan,
scout,
scrutinize,
recce (slang),
spy out,
get the lie of the land
in the sense of research
Definition
systematic investigation to establish facts or collect information on a subject
His groundbreaking research will be vital in future developments.
Synonyms
investigation,
study,
inquiry,
analysis,
examination,
probe,
exploration,
scrutiny,
experimentation,
delving,
groundwork,
fact-finding
Additional synonyms
in the sense of research
Definition
to carry out investigations into (a subject)
They research the needs of both employers and staff.
Synonyms
investigate,
study,
examine,
experiment,
explore,
probe,
analyse,
look into,
work over,
scrutinize,
make inquiries,
do tests,
consult the archives
in the sense of review
Definition
a general survey or report
a review on the training and education of over-16s
Synonyms
survey,
report,
study,
analysis,
examination,
scrutiny,
perusal
in the sense of review
Definition
to inspect formally or officially
He reviewed the troops.
Synonyms
inspect,
check,
survey,
examine,
vet,
check out (informal),
scrutinize,
give (something or someone) the once-over (informal)
in the sense of scan
Definition
to glance over quickly
She scanned the advertisement pages of the newspaper.