SURVEY


Meaning of SURVEY in English

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.

••

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 .

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.