surveying

[ ser-vey-ing ]

noun

1. the science or scientific method of making surveys of land.
2. the occupation of one who makes land surveys.
3. the act of one who surveys:

   The surveying required nearly two days.

surveying

/ sɜːˈveɪɪŋ /

noun

1. the study or practice of measuring altitudes, angles, and distances on the land surface so that they can be accurately plotted on a map
2. the setting out on the ground of the positions of proposed construction or engineering works

Word History and Origins

Origin of surveying¹

1425–75; late Middle English: act of examining closely; survey, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The juxtaposition of scenes of her surveying her estate’s grounds and telling her landscaping staff what she wants to be done against the echo of her brother Eric Scott’s voice saying “To this day, I despise gardening” is withering.

From Salon

A report released earlier this year surveying 1,000 carers made the estimate that 3% had to make repayments after changes in circumstances meant that they received the benefit in error, but the researchers said this may be an underestimate.

From BBC

As residents and responders continue rescue operations and surveying damage, we look at the impact of Hurricane Milton in pictures.

From BBC

The company has taken a data-driven approach to crafting new styles, including routinely surveying its core customers on what they want to wear, and has stuck to a tight, highly curated product assortment.

From Los Angeles Times

I stepped through the door, surveying the late-summer light dappling the antique wood floors.

From Salon

Related Words

• attentive
• discerning
• discriminating
• intelligent
• mindful
• perceptive
• vigilant