survey - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
survey Word Meanings
- to take a look at or examine something
- to gather information about an area
- a general overview or look at something
survey Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
survey Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsɜː.veɪ/
US
/ˈsɜr.veɪ/
survey Word Etymology
sur- = over + veiller = to see/watch; Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine someone surveying a landscape from a high vantage point, taking note of every detail below.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I start by turning my head and letting my eyes move across the room, my hand steady on a notepad as I shift from corner to corner. I push forward, pull back, adjust my stance, deciding where to focus next. The moment feels like a small survey, a quiet scan that builds with each glance. As I keep looking, the scene starts to make sense, and I can see what matters and what I should check next in real use.
Real Context
survey refers to both the act of looking over or examining something and the process of collecting information from people in a systematic way. As a verb, it means to look at, inspect, or assess a place, situation, or dataset, or to ask people for their opinions in a formal manner. As a noun, it denotes a general overview or the method of gathering information, such as a land survey, a market survey, or a public opinion survey. The nuance often hinges on method and scope: a casual glance is not a survey; a thorough, structured inquiry is. Common collocations include survey results, surveyors, survey design, and survey responses. Understanding the context helps learners choose the right form in conversation and writing.
Usage Reminders
- Use 'survey' with a direct object (survey the area, survey the landscape).
- Prefer 'survey' as a noun for a formal information-collection activity (a survey, survey results).
- Distinguish 'survey' from 'inspect' or 'check' depending on formality and scope.
- Be aware of common collocations: survey results, surveyors, survey design, survey responses.
- In formal writing, 'survey' often implies systematic data gathering rather than a casual glance.
Common Misconceptions
- A quick glance qualifies as a survey.
- Survey and inspection are always interchangeable.
- A survey always means asking people questions.
- Survey and poll are the same thing.
- You can survey something without a formal method.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Learn both verb and noun forms (survey as action and as a thing).
- Pair with concrete objects: survey the area, survey the landscape.
- Differentiate survey from inspect, study, or check by context and formality.
- Use common collocations: survey results, survey design, survey responses.
- When writing, prefer a systematic, explicit method for surveys.
- Practice pronunciation: first-stressed syllable SUR-vey.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'survey'?
A.Eat slowly
B.Laugh loudly
C.Examine closely
D.Run quickly
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'survey' used correctly?
A.They surveyed to the park.
B.He surveyed at the joke.
C.She surveyed the book before buying it.
D.I surveyed my breakfast.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is similar to 'survey'?
A.Mend
B.Destroy
C.Inspect
D.Ignore
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'survey'?
A.Rush
B.Argue
C.Celebrate
D.Neglect
Step 5: Mastery
How is the word 'survey' used in a real-life context?
A.Singing a survey song
B.Playing a surveying video game
C.Conducting a survey to gather data
D.Ignoring a survey invitation
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