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Survey: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage

Survey – Definition and Part of Speech

The word “survey” can function as both a noun and a verb:

  • As a verb, “to survey” means to examine or look carefully at something, typically to gather information.

  • Example: The team surveyed the landscape before construction began.

  • As a noun, a “survey” refers to an organized examination of opinions, attitudes, or conditions through methods like questionnaires and interviews.

  • Example: A customer satisfaction survey revealed areas for improvement in service delivery.

Core Synonyms (Table Format)

Here are some core synonyms for “survey,” along with their nuances and example sentences:

Synonym Brief Definition/Nuance Example Sentence Style/Register
Examine To inspect or scrutinize, often in detail. The scientist examined the specimen under a microscope. Academic/Formal
Inspect Focuses on checking for quality or adherence to standards. The building inspector conducted an inspection of the premises before certification. Professional/Business
Appraise To evaluate the value or significance of something. She appraised the art pieces before offering them a price at auction. Formal/Academic
Assess Evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something. The committee assessed the project’s impact on community development. Academic/Formal
Review To examine or consider again; often implies looking over existing data. After reviewing his notes, he felt prepared for the exam. Informal/Academic
Audit Specifically used in financial contexts to verify accounts or performance. The company’s finances were audited at the end of each fiscal year. Business/Formal

Usage Notes

  • Examine and inspect are commonly used in academic and professional settings where detailed scrutiny is involved, such as scientific research or quality control.

  • Appraise is often associated with determining value and is frequently seen in contexts involving real estate, art, or insurance.

  • Assess carries a broader connotation of evaluation, making it suitable for various fields including education, psychology, and business analysis.

  • Review is more casual than its synonyms and is versatile enough to fit informal discussions and academic settings where re-examining something previously considered is necessary.

  • Audit has a specialized usage in finance and compliance, involving systematic reviews of financial records or processes.

Common Pitfalls

One common confusion arises from using “survey” interchangeably with “review.” While both can imply examining information, a survey often involves collecting data from respondents through structured methods. In contrast, reviewing typically refers to analyzing existing information.

Another pitfall is the interchangeable use of “inspect” and “examine,” which might not always be suitable. Inspect implies checking for adherence to standards or quality, while examine focuses more on detailed scrutiny without necessarily involving judgment against a standard.

Final Recap

The key synonyms for “survey”—examine, inspect, appraise, assess, review, and audit—each carry their own nuances that make them applicable in different contexts. Understanding these subtleties can enhance clarity and precision in writing and communication.

To expand your vocabulary effectively, consider practicing by using these terms in various sentences or contexts. Whether drafting a business report, composing an academic paper, or engaging in casual conversation, the right synonym can convey precisely the intended meaning.