Main Entry:

¹sur·vey

Pronunciation:

\sər-ˈvā, ˈsər-ˌ\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

sur·veyed; sur·vey·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French surveer, to look over, from sur- + veer to see — more at view

Date:

15th century

transitive verb1 a: to examine as to condition, situation, or value : appraise b: to query (someone) in order to collect data for the analysis of some aspect of a group or area2: to determine and delineate the form, extent, and position of (as a tract of land) by taking linear and angular measurements and by applying the principles of geometry and trigonometry3: to view or consider comprehensively4: inspect, scrutinize <he surveyed us in a lordly way — Alan Harrington>intransitive verb: to make a survey