Understanding the Word “Poll”: Definitions and Synonyms
Poll – Definition and Part of Speech
The term poll can function as both a noun and a verb, each having distinct meanings:
-
As a noun, it refers to a method of gathering opinions or information from individuals, typically involving questions on various topics.
Example: “The poll showed that the majority supported the new policy.”
-
As a verb, it means to ask people their opinions or to gather votes.
Example: “They decided to poll employees about the upcoming changes in office hours.”
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing synonyms for “poll,” including brief definitions, example sentences, and contextual usage styles:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey | Systematic collection of data from individuals through questions. | “The company conducted a survey to gauge customer satisfaction.” | Formal/Informal, Business |
| Census | Official count or survey of a population at a specific time. | “The national census provides valuable demographic information.” | Formal, Academic |
| Vote | The process of expressing an opinion or choice in a formal setting. | “In the meeting, each member had a chance to cast their vote on the issue.” | Formal, Business/Political |
| Questionnaire | A list of questions designed for respondents to answer, often used in research. | “Participants filled out a questionnaire regarding their health habits.” | Academic/Formal |
| Inquiry | The act of asking for information or conducting an investigation. | “The committee launched an inquiry into the matter.” | Formal, Academic |
Usage Notes
-
Survey: Often interchangeable with poll when discussing opinion gathering, but usually implies a more structured approach.
-
In business contexts, “survey” is common when assessing employee satisfaction or customer feedback.
-
In academic research, surveys are used to collect data from participants.
-
Census: Specifically refers to the comprehensive recording of information about members of a population, typically governmental and infrequent in occurrence.
-
Used primarily in government and demographic studies.
-
Vote: Focuses on the act or process of choosing between options rather than collecting opinions.
-
Common in political contexts or formal meetings where decision-making is involved.
-
Questionnaire: Implies a more structured set of questions, often used to collect specific information for research purposes.
-
Used extensively in academic and scientific studies.
-
Inquiry: Suggests an investigation or official examination into something, often with a focus on gathering detailed information.
-
Seen in both formal settings like parliamentary investigations and general contexts of asking questions.
Common Pitfalls
When using synonyms for “poll,” it’s important to consider the context:
-
Do not confuse census with survey, as a census is much broader and more formal, often tied to government activities.
-
Avoid using vote interchangeably with poll when the focus is on gathering opinions rather than making a decision.
-
Remember that questionnaire implies a fixed set of questions designed for specific data collection, which may not be as casual or broad as a poll or survey might be.
Final Recap
In summary, synonyms such as “survey,” “census,” “vote,” “questionnaire,” and “inquiry” offer nuanced alternatives to the word “poll.” Understanding these subtle differences helps in choosing the right term for the context—whether it’s formal research, governmental activities, or casual opinion gathering.
To master using these terms effectively, practice by writing sentences or engaging in discussions where you can apply them appropriately. This will not only expand your vocabulary but also enhance clarity and precision in communication.