noun / verb
survey
SUR-vay/ˈsɜːrveɪ/
A systematic examination of an area as a whole.
She completes a survey by checking boxes on a clipboard.
Etymology
“Seeing over” something became inspecting it carefully, then systematically collecting information about it. A survey's questions carry out that examination by gathering people's answers rather than relying on direct observation.
In context
… more than 600 people answered that battery of questions and the survey produced some interesting information about the society's internal demographics …
More examples
- The team surveys the entire building for signs of damage.
- A survey of the neighborhood reveals a shortage of parks.
- Engineers survey the land to establish the property boundaries.
Forms
survey · surveys · surveyed · surveying
surveyor noun — A person who measures and maps land.
Similar words
- examination
- May investigate individual details rather than provide an overall view.
- inspection
- Usually checks condition, safety, or compliance with specific standards.
- assessment
- Emphasizes judging quality, value, or needs rather than gathering information.