canvass
C1Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To solicit or seek opinions, votes, orders, or support from people, typically by going from person to person or place to place.
To examine, discuss, or scrutinize an idea, plan, or situation thoroughly; also, to survey public opinion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Has two primary semantic clusters: 1) soliciting (votes, orders, support) through direct contact; 2) thorough discussion/examination of a topic. The noun form 'canvass' (e.g., 'a door-to-door canvass') is less common than the verb.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: both use 'canvass' for the verb; the related noun 'canvas' (material) is identical. Usage patterns are nearly identical, though UK political campaigning may use 'canvassing' more formally for voter outreach.
Connotations
Politically neutral in both, but can imply persistent or systematic effort. In business contexts, may carry a slight connotation of salesmanship.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to extensive political campaigning terminology. In both varieties, it is a mid-frequency word common in political, marketing, and analytical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
canvass + for + NOUN (canvass for votes)canvass + NOUN (canvass opinion)canvass + PERSON/PLACE (canvass the residents)canvass + as + NOUN (canvass as a candidate)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to canvass the field (to survey all options)”
- “to be out canvassing (actively seeking support)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Systematically seeking customer opinions or orders before a product launch.
Academic
Reviewing and debating various theories or interpretations in a paper.
Everyday
Asking neighbours for their views on a local issue.
Technical
In surveying, to cover an area systematically to collect data; in politics, a formal voter outreach method.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The candidate will canvass the constituency ahead of the by-election.
- We need to canvass members' views before the AGM.
- They are canvassing for donations to restore the village hall.
American English
- Volunteers are canvassing the neighborhood for the upcoming election.
- The team canvassed all possible solutions during the meeting.
- She canvassed local businesses for sponsorship.
adverb
British English
- He worked canvassingly through the list of stakeholders. (Rare/Formal)
American English
- She went canvassingly from door to door. (Rare/Formal)
adjective
British English
- The canvassing team reported positive feedback.
- A well-organised canvass operation is crucial.
American English
- They reviewed the canvass results carefully.
- The canvassing effort yielded valuable data.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- They will canvass the street about the new park.
- The charity is canvassing for support in the town centre.
- We should canvass opinions before making a decision.
- The marketing department canvassed potential customers to gauge interest in the new product.
- The proposal was thoroughly canvassed at the board meeting.
- Prior to the referendum, activists canvassed the electorate extensively, focusing on undecided voters.
- The committee canvassed a wide range of expert testimony before drafting its final report.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CANVAS bag a politician carries while going door-to-door to CANVASS for votes.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEEKING IS GATHERING (votes/opinions are objects collected from a territory).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'canvas' (холст). 'Canvass' is always about active solicitation or discussion.
- The Russian verb 'агитировать' is close but narrower; 'canvass' can be non-political.
- Avoid calquing 'canvass opinion' as 'рисовать мнение' (to paint opinion). Use 'изучать/собирать мнения'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'canvas' (the fabric) when meaning the verb.
- Using it intransitively incorrectly (e.g., 'He canvassed' without an object is vague).
- Confusing 'canvass' (verb) with 'canvas' (noun) in phrases like 'under canvas' (in a tent).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'canvass' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Canvas' (noun) is a strong, coarse cloth used for tents, sails, or painting. 'Canvass' (verb) means to solicit votes, opinions, or orders, or to discuss thoroughly.
Yes. While often associated with politics, it is common in market research ('canvass customer opinion'), sales ('canvass for orders'), and general discussion ('canvass the issue').
It is neutral to formal. In everyday speech, simpler verbs like 'ask', 'survey', or 'campaign' might be used, but 'canvass' implies a systematic, purposeful activity.
It derives from the 16th century, originally meaning 'to toss in a canvas sheet' (as in sifting or examining thoroughly), from the noun 'canvas'. The political sense developed from the idea of shaking out or examining votes and opinions.
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