Basic Details
Word: Canvass
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To ask people for their opinions or to seek support, often in a systematic way.
Synonyms: Solicit, Survey, Poll
Antonyms: Ignore, Overlook, Dismiss
Idioms and Phrases
- Canvassing the crowd: Gathering opinions from a large group of people. Example: "The team was canvassing the crowd to find out what they thought of the new plans."
- Canvass for votes: To seek support or votes from people, often seen in elections. Example: "The candidates went door to door to canvass for votes before the election."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The students decided to canvass the opinions of their classmates about the new school rules.
Example 2: The charity organisation planned to canvass the local community for donations to help the homeless.
Example 3: In preparation for the upcoming election, volunteers will canvass the neighbourhood to talk to residents about their concerns.
Fun Fact
The word "canvass" comes from the earlier word "canvas," which referred to the cloth used for sails and tents. Over time, it evolved to mean going around to gather people's opinions, as if you were spreading out a canvas to collect thoughts like you would collect items.
Famous Quote
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Mahatma Gandhi
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "canvass" mean?
a) To ignore someone
b) To ask people for their opinions
c) To paint a picture
d) To lock a door
Answer: b) To ask people for their opinions
2. Which of these is a synonym of "canvass"?
a) Survey
b) Shout
c) Run
d) Jump
Answer: a) Survey
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "canvass"?
a) Ask
b) Seek
c) Ignore
d) Talk
Answer: c) Ignore
4. Which sentence uses "canvass" correctly?
a) They decided to canvass the local arts festival for new ideas.
b) She loves to canvass her garden during the warm weather.
c) The baby will canvass the toy for a long time.
d) He can canvass really fast on his bike.
Answer: a) They decided to canvass the local arts festival for new ideas.
5. What does the idiom "canvassing the crowd" mean?
a) Ignoring a group of people
b) Gathering opinions from a large group
c) Closing a shop
d) Making people laugh
Answer: b) Gathering opinions from a large group
