noun , verb
■ noun / ˈsɜːveɪ; NAmE ˈsɜːrveɪ/
1.
an investigation of the opinions, behaviour, etc. of a particular group of people, which is usually done by asking them questions :
A recent survey showed 75% of those questioned were in favour of the plan.
The survey revealed that ...
to conduct / carry out a survey
2.
the act of examining and recording the measurements, features, etc. of an area of land in order to make a map or plan of it :
an aerial survey (= made by taking photographs from an aircraft)
a geological survey
3.
( BrE ) an examination of the condition of a house, etc., usually done for sb who is thinking of buying it
4.
a general study, view or description or sth :
a comprehensive survey of modern music
■ verb / səˈveɪ; NAmE sərˈveɪ/ [ vn ]
1.
to look carefully at the whole of sth, especially in order to get a general impression of it
SYN inspect :
The next morning we surveyed the damage caused by the fire.
He surveyed himself in the mirror before going out.
2.
to study and give a general description of sth :
This chapter briefly surveys the current state of European politics.
➡ note at examine
3.
to measure and record the features of an area of land, for example in order to make a map or in preparation for building
4.
( BrE ) to examine a building to make sure it is in good condition
5.
to investigate the opinions or behaviour of a group of people by asking them a series of questions
SYN interview :
We surveyed 500 smokers and found that over three quarters would like to give up.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense examine and ascertain the condition of ): from Anglo-Norman French surveier , from medieval Latin supervidere , from super- over + videre to see. The early sense of the noun (late 15th cent.) was supervision .