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canvass

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈkæn.vəs/

KK: /ˈkæn.vəs/

intransitive verb
Definition

To seek opinions or votes from people, often by going door to door or asking questions.


Example

The volunteers will canvass the neighborhood to gather support for the candidate.


Tense Forms

Past: canvassed

Past Participle: canvassed


Conversation
Sloth A
Are you going to canvass for the community project this weekend?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it’s a great way to get everyone involved.
Sloth A
I agree! It’s important to canvass opinions before making decisions.
Sloth B
Absolutely, getting feedback really helps to shape the project.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
poll
survey
discuss
Antonyms
ignore
neglect
dismiss
noun
Definition

A process of asking people for their opinions or votes, often used in elections or surveys.


Example

The team went door to door to conduct a canvass for the upcoming election.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the canvass for the local election?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it's a great way for people to share their opinions.
Sloth A
I agree! It really helps the candidates understand what we want.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To ask people for their opinions or votes, often in a systematic way, or to examine something in detail.


Example

The campaign team will canvass the neighborhood to gather support for their candidate.


Tense Forms

Past: canvassed

Past Participle: canvassed


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever thought about how they canvass for votes during elections?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's interesting to see how they gather opinions from people.
Sloth A
I wonder what questions they ask when they canvass neighborhoods.
Root Explanation

Canvass originates from the Middle English 'canvassen', which comes from the Old French 'canvasser', meaning to examine or discuss. The word is related to the Latin 'cannabis', referring to the hemp plant, which was used for making canvases. The term evolved to mean soliciting votes or opinions, as one would examine or discuss matters with others.

Memory Tip

Think of 'canvassing' as examining or discussing opinions, just like how you would discuss ideas on a canvas.

Visually Confused Words
precanvass
recanvas
anvasser
Is this page helpful?
Exactly, and it makes everyone feel more involved in the process.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
poll
survey
query
Antonyms
indifference
apathy
neglect
Sloth B
Probably a mix of issues that matter most to the community.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
poll
survey
examine
Antonyms
ignore
neglect
overlook