canvass
UK: ˈkænvəs | US: ˈkænvəs
vt. to solicit votes, opinions, or sales from people systematically
vt. to examine or discuss thoroughly
n. the act of canvassing
canvass = canv<canvas> + ass<verb suffix>
- canv (from canvas, originally referring to a coarse cloth used for sifting or filtering)
- ass (a verb-forming suffix, often implying repetitive or intensive action)
Etymology Origin:
The word canvass traces back to the 16th century, derived from canvas—a sturdy fabric used for sieving grain or filtering. The metaphorical shift occurred when the term was applied to the rigorous "sifting" of opinions (e.g., in political campaigns) or thorough examination (e.g., scrutinizing details). The suffix -ass reinforces the sense of persistent action, aligning with its modern meanings of solicitation or detailed analysis.
Volunteers will canvass the neighborhood for support before the election.
The team canvassed all possible solutions before making a decision.
She spent the afternoon canvassing local businesses for donations.
The report canvassed various theories about the economic downturn.
Political parties often canvass door-to-door to gauge public opinion.