Canvass: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS

If you have ever walked through a neighbourhood and found people knocking on doors before an election, they were likely out to canvass. However, the word ‘canvass’ is not limited to politics. It is a versatile and formal verb that means to ask for opinions, support, or sales, or to examine something in detail, all of which are common themes in IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks.

So, learn the meaning, history, and proper usage of the term ‘canvass’, solidify your understanding through practical exercises, and add it to your IELTS Vocabulary words list for Band 8 or 9 to achieve your desired score. 

Meaning of Canvass

Pronunciation: ˈkan-vəs

To canvass means to seek support, votes, ideas, or sales by direct contact, often by approaching people individually. It can also mean to examine or discuss something thoroughly.

In everyday use, ‘canvass’ most often appears in the context of:

• Elections: Politicians canvass voters.
• Sales: Representatives canvass potential customers.
• Discussions: A team may canvass opinions before making a decision.

History and Origin of Canvass

The word ‘canvass’ dates back to the mid-16th century, deriving from an earlier noun form ‘canvas’, referring to coarse cloth.

The original verb meant ‘to toss someone in a canvas sheet as punishment or ridicule’, a practice that symbolised harsh treatment or close scrutiny. This idea evolved metaphorically into ‘to examine carefully’ or ‘to solicit intensely’, which are the core meanings today. So, when you canvass a group, you are metaphorically shaking things up to get a response, idea, or result.

Usage & Examples of Canvass

Let’s explore how ‘canvass’ is used in different grammatical and contextual situations using the examples given below.

Canvass vs. Canvas

People often confuse the two words ‘canvas’ and ‘canvass’ since they have similar pronunciation. However, ‘canvass’ (double “s”) and ‘canvas’ (single “s”) are entirely different in meaning and usage. Let us check the difference in the table below.

IELTS Usage of ‘Canvass’

Due to its formal tone, the word ‘canvass’ fits naturally into IELTS Writing Task 2 essays and Speaking Parts 2 and 3, especially when discussing politics or social issues, community participation, advertising or fundraising, and decision-making processes.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Example

• Essay Topic: Some believe governments should consult citizens more often. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Answer Excerpt: Public authorities should regularly canvass the opinions of local residents before implementing policies that affect the community. This not only fosters democratic participation but also ensures that decisions reflect the needs and concerns of the people directly impacted.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Example

• Question: How can individuals influence environmental policies in their community?
• Sample Response:  “One effective way is by participating in local campaigns or awareness drives. For example, I was part of a team that canvassed support for banning single-use plastics in our town. We went door to door, talking to people, distributing flyers, and encouraging them to sign petitions. These efforts helped us show the local council that there was strong public backing for the initiative.”

Collocations of Canvass

The following are some helpful collocations of ‘canvass’ that you can use in answers to add variety and achieve a better IELTS vocabulary score.

Exercises to Master the Meaning of Canvass

Now, it is time to complete the exercises that follow to improve your understanding of the word ‘canvass’.

1 She bought a white canvass to start her oil painting.

2 The journalist canvassed opinions from various community leaders.

3 The company plans to canvas every household by the end of the week.

1 The student union plans to __________ all departments for feedback.

2 Volunteers are __________ donations for disaster relief.

3 Before launching the policy, the mayor __________ the views of the residents.

4 Every household in the district was __________ before the election.

Answer Key

To conclude, mastering the word ‘canvass’ gives you an edge in academic, formal, and IELTS contexts. It is a must-learn for anyone aiming to express opinions with clarity, sophistication, and accuracy. So, start using ‘canvass’ in your IELTS Speaking and writing answers, especially when discussing public engagement, decision-making, or persuasive action. Just be sure not to confuse it with canvas, unless you are talking about art!

Useful Links:

• Inchoate: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
• Florid: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
• Expunge: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
• Advanced Vocabulary for IELTS 7.0 - 8.0 - 9.0: The World of Politics (Part 1)
• Vocabulary for Top 9 Most Common Topics in IELTS Exam
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+