canvass
/ˈkæn.vəs/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈænvəs] /ˈkæn.vəs/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈænvəs] /ˈkan-vəs How to pronounce canvass (audio)/ (ame, mw) · /ˈkænvəs/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈænvəs] /ˈkænvəs/ (ame, ipa)
canvass — verb
- canvasspresent simple I / you / we / they
- canvasses3rd person singular
- canvassing-ing form
- canvassedpast simple
1. to go from home to home or person to person asking people to back a candidate, p
to go from home to home or person to person asking people to back a candidate, party, or cause
Volunteers canvassed the apartment blocks before the mayoral vote on Sunday.
canvass + area before an election
Anjali spent the afternoon canvassing for the labor candidate in the rain.
canvass for + candidate
Party workers canvassed every house on the hill for support.
By dusk, Luca had canvassed two streets and handed out fifty leaflets.
文法句型
canvass + district/street/neighborhood
canvass for votes/support
用法筆記
Often used about elections and local campaigns. The object is commonly an area or a group of voters, while for introduces the support being sought.
常見錯誤
2. to speak to many people in order to find out what they think or to gather facts
to speak to many people in order to find out what they think or to gather facts
The charity canvassed local parents about the new after-school meals.
canvass + people about + topic
Yuki canvassed her team for ideas before the museum reopened.
canvass + people for ideas
Reporters canvassed shoppers outside the station after the ticket price rise.
Before writing the report, Indra canvassed residents on late-night bus service.
文法句型
canvass + people + for ideas/opinions
canvass + people + on/about + topic
用法筆記
The focus is on learning views or information. Distinguish from sense 1, where the goal is to persuade people to support someone or something.
常見錯誤
3. to put an idea or proposal forward so that other people can discuss it and decid
to put an idea or proposal forward so that other people can discuss it and decide about it
The chair canvassed a new training plan at the budget meeting.
canvass + plan at a meeting
Nellie canvassed several options for a winter arts festival.
canvass + options
During the call, the union leaders canvassed a shorter exam week.
The memo canvassed a possible move to smaller regional offices.
- propose
more direct and does not always suggest group discussion
- raise
can be briefer and less developed than canvass
- put forward
very close in meaning but slightly less formal in tone
文法句型
canvass + proposal/plan/option
canvass + idea + at/in + meeting
用法筆記
Common in formal discussion, especially in meetings, reports, and policy talk. The object is usually a plan, option, or proposal rather than a person.
常見錯誤
4. to study something from several sides so that its main facts or problems become
to study something from several sides so that its main facts or problems become clear
Investigators canvassed the phone records before making any arrests.
canvass + evidence before action
The essay canvasses three reasons for the sudden drop in sales.
canvass + reasons or issues
Before choosing a site, the team canvassed every likely risk.
The committee canvassed the evidence from both hospitals last week.
文法句型
canvass + issue/evidence/question
canvass + every possibility
用法筆記
This formal sense is analytical rather than social. It often takes abstract objects such as evidence, risks, questions, or lines of argument.
常見錯誤
canvass — noun
- canvasssingular
- canvassesplural
1. the work of asking a group of people questions in order to learn their views abo
the work of asking a group of people questions in order to learn their views about a topic
The paper ran a canvass of parents before changing the lunch menu.
run a canvass of + group
A quick canvass showed most nurses wanted longer break times.
a canvass showed that…
The city ordered a canvass on weekend traffic near the market.
Results from the canvass reached the school board on Friday.
- survey
broader and more common, often involving written forms
- poll
more tightly linked to public opinion measurement
- consultation
often suggests a more formal exchange with selected people
文法句型
carry out/run a canvass
canvass of/on + topic/group
用法筆記
Used for a round of consultation or opinion gathering. Distinguish from sense 2, which is specifically the work of seeking votes or backing.
常見錯誤
2. the work of calling at homes or meeting voters across an area to win backing for
the work of calling at homes or meeting voters across an area to win backing for a candidate or party
Saturday's canvass took volunteers through every lane in the fishing town.
canvass + route through an area
The candidate thanked students who joined the evening canvass after class.
join a canvass
A door-to-door canvass helped the party meet undecided voters.
Rain delayed the morning canvass in three hillside villages.
- campaigning
broader and can include speeches, ads, and events
- door-knocking
focuses on visiting homes, often less formal than canvass
- electioneering
formal and broader than direct voter contact
文法句型
door-to-door canvass
join/lead a canvass
用法筆記
Most often used in election work and local organizing. It refers to direct contact with voters, usually by visiting homes or speaking to people in the area.