canvass
KAN-vuhs
/ˈkænvəs/
To systematically go through an area or contact a group of people to solicit votes, opinions, or sales; to examine or discuss thoroughly.
Implies a wide, comprehensive sweep of a population or area to gather data or support.
The story behind the word. The word has a wild history. In the 16th century, to 'canvass' meant to toss someone in a sturdy canvas sheet as a rough prank or punishment. Because tossing things in a sheet was also a way to sift grain from chaff, the word evolved to mean 'sifting' or examining evidence closely, and eventually, sifting through a neighborhood to find supporters.
Word relationships
- survey: Survey can be done remotely via forms, while canvass often implies active, face-to-face, or direct personal contact.
- poll: To poll is to record opinions quantitatively, whereas canvassing often involves persuasion and detailed discussion alongside gathering data.
- ignore: To avoid contacting or gathering opinions from a group.
Commonly confused with
- canvas: Canvas (with one 's') is a heavy, coarse closely woven fabric used for tents and sails; canvass (with two 's's) is the verb meaning to solicit votes or opinions.
Word family
- canvasser (noun): A person who solicits votes or opinions.
Collocations
- canvass for votes
- canvass opinions
- canvass the neighborhood
Example sentences
- "Volunteers went door-to-door to canvass the neighborhood for the upcoming mayoral election." A political campaign ahead of an election.
- "The marketing team decided to canvass local businesses to see if there was interest in the new software." A market research effort.
Memory hook
Imagine walking door-to-door carrying a heavy 'canvas' bag full of political flyers. A canvas bag full of flyers.
When not to use
Do not use when questioning a single person in depth; canvassing is always about reaching out to many people.
Fun facts
- The transition from tossing people in sheets to asking them for votes is one of the most unusual semantic shifts in the English language.
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