census
SEN-suss
/ˈsen.səs/
An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.
Implies a comprehensive, legally mandated headcount rather than a sample survey.
The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, the 'censor' was a magistrate responsible for taking a register of citizens and assessing their property for taxation and military service. The process itself became known as the census.
Word relationships
- enumeration: Enumeration is the process of counting items one by one, while census is the complete statistical operation.
- estimate: An estimate relies on sampling or guesswork rather than a full headcount.
Commonly confused with
- censure: Censure means express severe disapproval, whereas census is an official count.
Word family
- censual (adjective): Pertaining to a census.
Collocations
- decennial census
- census data
- conduct a census
- census bureau
Example sentences
- "The nation conducts a national census every ten years to determine parliamentary representation." Government administration
- "Researchers conducted an aerial census of the elephant population in the wildlife reserve." Ecological study
Memory hook
Remember 'censor' assess citizens' property; 'census' counts the citizens. Official head count.
When not to use
Do not use for informal quick headcounts like counting guests at a small dinner party.
Fun facts
- The Roman census determined not just taxes, but which social class and military unit a citizen belonged to.
Related words
Explore more words
audit, survey, canvass, conscription, densely-populated, citizen
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