census - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
census Word Meanings
- an official count of a population
- a systematic survey of a population's characteristics
- a periodic assessment of population demographics
census Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
census Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsɛn.səs/
US
/ˈsɛn.səs/
census Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'cens-' (from Latin 'censere' meaning 'to assess') + 'us' (noun suffix). Historical origin: Latin 'census' → Old French 'cens' → English 'census'. Memory image: Imagine a group of officials counting people in a crowd, each tick marking a head in their tally.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
A census is an official count of a population, often conducted by government agencies at regular intervals. It gathers basic information such as age, gender, and housing, and may include questions on education, employment, and household composition. The purpose is to provide data to plan services, allocate resources, and inform policy. The term comes from Latin census, meaning an assessment. In many countries a decennial census is typical, though some nations conduct more frequent surveys. People sometimes confuse a census with a survey or poll; a census aims to count every person, not just a sample. In everyday language you might say a census is taken or conducted.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: census is official counting; not a sample.
- Use with 'data from the census' or 'census data'
- Often followed by year: 'the 2020 census'
- Avoid using census for random polls
- Be mindful of privacy: data are usually anonymized
Common Misconceptions
- A census is the same as a poll or survey.
- Census data only counts adults.
- Census happens every year in most countries.
- Personal data from a census are always published publicly.
- Participation in a census is optional in all places.
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate census (official count) from survey/poll (sampling). Learners often mix the two, and may assume a census is always yearly or that personal data are publicly released.
Learning Tips
- Learn the collocations: census data, census form, census year.
- Distinguish census from survey: census counts everyone; survey samples a group.
- Remember 'census' usually refers to a large, infrequent event.
- Use 'the census' with a year, e. g., 'the 2020 census'.
- Check privacy notes: census data are typically anonymized.
- Practice with decennial phrasing vs. more frequent national surveys.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'census'?
A.A type of weather
B.A type of bird
C.A method of counting the population
D.A type of food
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is the word 'census' used correctly?
A.The government conducted a census to gather population data.
B.I heard a beautiful song about a census.
C.I went for a walk in the census park.
D.The weather report mentioned a census of rain.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is an antonym of 'census'?
A.Audit
B.Estimate
C.Inventory
D.Survey
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context would you expect to hear the word 'census'?
A.At a grocery store
B.During a population count by the government
C.In a song about nature
D.In a conversation about sports
Step 5: Mastery
Reflect on the importance of conducting a census. Why is it necessary?
A.To track the weather patterns
B.To learn about historical events
C.To classify different types of animals
D.To gather data for policy-making and resource allocation
Related Listening
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