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B2 noun #4,000 most common 10 min read

اسْتِطْلَاع

istilaa
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips اسْتِطْلَاع in 30 Seconds
Explanation اسْتِطْلَاع in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'Istidlaa' (اسْتِطْلَاع) very often, but you might recognize its root. The root 'Tala'a' means 'to come out' or 'to see'. Think of it as 'looking for something'. In very simple terms, it's like asking people 'What do you think?' or looking at a place to see what is there. You might see it in a simple news headline with a picture of people voting. Just remember: it's a big word for 'asking questions' or 'looking around'. At this stage, just try to remember that it starts with 'Isti-' and sounds like a formal process. You won't use it in daily basic talk, but you might see it on TV. It's a noun. It means 'poll' or 'survey'. For example, if you want to know if people like pizza or falafel, you do a small 'Istidlaa'.
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At the A2 level, you can start to understand 'Istidlaa' as a formal way to say 'survey' or 'poll'. You will mostly see it in the phrase 'Istidlaa Ra'y' (استطلاع رأي), which means 'opinion poll'. If you are reading a simple Arabic news website, you might see this word in the title of a section where they ask readers for their opinions. It is a noun that comes from a verb meaning 'to seek information'. You can use it in a simple sentence like: 'The survey is good' (الاستطلاع جيد). You might also hear it when people talk about the moon before Ramadan; they 'look for' (Istidlaa) the moon. It's a bit more formal than just 'asking', so use it when you want to sound more serious about gathering information.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'Istidlaa' in sentences about social topics or media. You understand that it is a verbal noun (Masdar) and can be used in the Idafa construction. You know that 'أجرى استطلاعاً' (conducted a poll) is the standard way to express this action. You are starting to see the difference between this word and 'Bahth' (research). You might use it in a classroom setting: 'We did a survey about the environment' (أجرينا استطلاعاً حول البيئة). You also recognize its military meaning of 'reconnaissance' when reading about history or current events. This is a level where you can start to categorize it as a 'media word' that helps you follow news reports more effectively.
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At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'Istidlaa' and its nuances. You can distinguish between 'Istidlaa' (the process/poll), 'Istibyan' (the questionnaire), and 'Mas-h' (the technical survey). You are comfortable using it in various grammatical cases and can modify it with adjectives like 'ميداني' (field) or 'إلكتروني' (electronic). You understand its root meaning and how Form X implies 'seeking'. You can use it in professional contexts, such as discussing market research or strategic scouting. You also know common collocations like 'استطلاع هلال رمضان' and 'طائرة استطلاع'. Your usage should be accurate, and you should be able to explain the results of a poll using this vocabulary in a discussion or a short essay.
At the C1 level, 'Istidlaa' is a word you use with precision and stylistic flair. You can discuss the methodology of an 'Istidlaa', mentioning things like 'عينة' (sample) or 'هامش الخطأ' (margin of error). You recognize the word in more abstract or literary contexts, where it might mean 'probing' or 'exploring' an idea. You can use the verb form 'استطلع' fluently in conversations about future possibilities or 'scouting out' opportunities. Your understanding of the word includes its historical and cultural baggage, such as its role in the official sighting of the moon. You can also use related terms like 'دراسة استطلاعية' (exploratory study) in academic writing. You are sensitive to the register of the word, knowing it belongs to formal, professional, and journalistic spheres.
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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'Istidlaa' and all its derivatives. You can use it to engage in high-level discourse about political science, military strategy, or linguistic history. You might analyze how the word's usage has evolved in modern media or compare it to synonyms in various Arabic dialects (like 'سبر الآراء' in North Africa). You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures and understand its most subtle connotations in classical or modern literature. For you, 'Istidlaa' is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise expression. You can effortlessly switch between its different meanings—from a simple poll to a complex reconnaissance operation—without any hesitation, and you can correct others on the subtle differences between it and technical synonyms like 'استقصاء' (investigation/survey).
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

اسْتِطْلَاع in 30 Seconds

  • Istidlaa' means 'poll' or 'survey' in social contexts.
  • It means 'reconnaissance' or 'scouting' in military contexts.
  • It comes from the root T-L-3, meaning to appear or look.
  • Commonly used in news and formal reports.

The Arabic word اسْتِطْلَاع (Istidlaa') is a sophisticated noun derived from the Form X verb استطلع, which originates from the root ط-ل-ع (T-L-3). In its most fundamental sense, this root relates to appearing, rising (like the sun), or looking out. When transformed into Form X, the meaning shifts toward 'seeking' or 'requesting' that appearance or information. Therefore, Istidlaa' literally translates to the act of seeking to know or looking out for information that is not yet clear. In modern usage, it is most commonly encountered in two primary spheres: social science/politics and the military. In a civilian context, it refers to a poll, survey, or opinion gathering process. In a military or strategic context, it refers to reconnaissance or scouting. Understanding this word is crucial for B2 learners because it bridges the gap between everyday conversation and formal journalistic or academic Arabic.

Sociopolitical Usage
Used when discussing public opinion, such as 'استطلاع رأي' (opinion poll). This is ubiquitous in news broadcasts during election cycles or when measuring the public's reaction to new policies.

أظهر اسْتِطْلَاع الرأي الأخير أن أغلبية الشباب يدعمون التغيير.

Beyond the technical definitions, the word carries a sense of active inquiry. It isn't just a passive observation; it is a structured attempt to uncover data. When a news anchor says 'استطلاع'، they are implying a methodical collection of viewpoints. In the military sense, 'طائرة استطلاع' (reconnaissance plane) implies a vehicle sent specifically to gather intelligence about enemy positions. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word in media Arabic. For an English speaker, think of it as the 'scouting out' of information, whether that information resides in the minds of voters or across a physical battlefield. It is formal but essential for anyone reading a newspaper or watching Al Jazeera.

Military Context
Refers to scouting or intelligence gathering missions. 'مهمة استطلاع' means a reconnaissance mission.

قامت الطائرة بـ اسْتِطْلَاع فوق المنطقة الحدودية.

In academic circles, you might see it used in research methodology. While 'Istibyan' (questionnaire) is the physical paper or form, 'Istidlaa' is the broader process or the poll itself. If you are conducting a study on consumer behavior, you are performing an 'Istidlaa'. The word also appears in the religious context of 'استطلاع الهلال' (sighting of the crescent moon), which determines the start of Islamic months like Ramadan. This specific usage highlights the word's core meaning of 'looking out for' something significant.

Scientific/Exploratory
Used for space exploration or exploratory missions into unknown territories, such as 'استطلاع المريخ' (exploration of Mars).

تخطط الوكالة لإرسال مسبار لـ اسْتِطْلَاع الكواكب البعيدة.

شارك آلاف المواطنين في اسْتِطْلَاع إلكتروني حول جودة التعليم.

يتم استخدام الرادارات لـ اسْتِطْلَاع التحركات الجوية.

Using اسْتِطْلَاع correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a verbal noun (Masdar). It can function as the subject of a sentence, an object, or part of an Idafa (genitive construct). The most common Idafa is 'استطلاع رأي' (poll of opinion). When using it, you often pair it with verbs like 'أجرى' (to conduct) or 'نشر' (to publish). For example, 'أجرت الشركة استطلاعاً' (The company conducted a survey). Notice how the word takes the Tanween (accusative case) when it is the direct object. For English speakers, the transition from 'surveying' (verb) to 'survey' (noun) is mirrored here. You can also use it with prepositions like 'حول' (about/concerning) to specify the topic of the survey.

As a Direct Object
When the word follows a verb like 'conduct' or 'organize'. Example: 'نحن ننظم استطلاعاً للرأي'.

قرر المدير إجراء اسْتِطْلَاع سريع للموظفين قبل الاجتماع.

In more complex sentences, Istidlaa' can be modified by adjectives. You might hear 'استطلاع ميداني' (a field survey) or 'استطلاع شامل' (a comprehensive poll). In military contexts, it is often part of a compound noun like 'طائرة استطلاع' (reconnaissance plane) or 'فرقة استطلاع' (scouting squad). In these cases, it acts as a descriptor of the purpose of the noun it follows. For example, 'وصلت فرقة الاستطلاع إلى خطوط العدو' (The reconnaissance squad reached enemy lines). The word remains constant in form, but its position in the sentence changes its case ending in formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).

In the Genitive Case (Idafa)
When it describes another noun. Example: 'نتائج استطلاع الرأي كانت مفاجئة' (The results of the opinion poll were surprising).

تعتمد الصحيفة على اسْتِطْلَاع أسبوعي لمعرفة اهتمامات القراء.

Furthermore, the word can be used with the definite article 'الـ' to refer to a specific, previously mentioned survey. 'الاستطلاع الذي أجريناه' (The survey that we conducted). It is also worth noting that the plural form is 'استطلاعات' (Istidlaa'aat), following the regular feminine plural pattern because it is a non-human verbal noun. You will frequently see 'استطلاعات الرأي' (opinion polls) in plural when discussing trends over time. Using this word effectively shows that you can handle formal, technical Arabic that goes beyond basic survival phrases.

Plural Usage
Used when referring to multiple surveys or continuous polling. Example: 'تشير جميع الاستطلاعات إلى فوزه'.

تختلف نتائج اسْتِطْلَاع الرأي من منطقة إلى أخرى.

هل قرأت آخر اسْتِطْلَاع عن الاقتصاد العالمي؟

يعتبر اسْتِطْلَاع المواقع الأثرية خطوة أولى قبل التنقيب.

In the modern Arab world, اسْتِطْلَاع is a staple of the media landscape. If you tune into news channels like Al Arabiya, Al Jazeera, or Sky News Arabia, you will hear this word almost daily. It is the go-to term for describing the data gathered by research centers like the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. You will hear phrases like 'مركز استطلاع الرأي' (opinion poll center) or 'بحسب آخر استطلاع' (according to the latest poll). It is also common in business news, where companies conduct market surveys to understand consumer preferences. Hearing this word signals that the discussion is moving into data-driven analysis rather than just anecdotal reporting.

News Media
Used to present statistics about public sentiment on politics, social issues, or sports. 'استطلاع للرأي العام' (Public opinion poll).

قال المذيع: 'سنناقش اليوم نتائج اسْتِطْلَاع القناة حول الانتخابات'.

Another very common place to hear this word is in documentaries or reports about technology and defense. Whenever drones (UAVs) are mentioned, they are often described as 'طائرات استطلاع' (reconnaissance aircraft). This highlights the word's 'scouting' nuance. In a corporate environment, a manager might ask for an 'استطلاع سريع' (quick survey) of the team's availability or opinions on a project. It is more formal than simply 'asking' and suggests a level of organization. Even in casual settings, if someone wants to 'check out' a situation before committing, they might jokingly use the verb form: 'خليني أستطلع الوضع' (Let me scout out the situation).

Corporate/Business
Market research and internal feedback. 'استطلاع السوق' (Market survey/reconnaissance).

قبل إطلاق المنتج، قمنا بـ اسْتِطْلَاع للسوق لمعرفة المنافسين.

In educational settings, professors might talk about 'استطلاع الدراسات السابقة' (surveying previous studies) in a literature review. This academic usage is slightly different from a poll; it refers to the act of scanning and summarizing existing information. Whether you are in a boardroom in Dubai, watching a news report in Cairo, or reading a military history book, Istidlaa' is the keyword for any activity involving the systematic gathering of information or the scouting of unknown territory. Its frequency in formal discourse makes it a 'power word' for advanced learners.

Educational/Academic
Scanning literature or exploring a research field. 'دراسة استطلاعية' (Exploratory study).

تعتبر هذه الدراسة اسْتِطْلَاعاً أولياً لظاهرة التغير المناخي.

تم إرسال دورية لـ اسْتِطْلَاع تحركات العدو خلف الجبل.

نشر المركز اسْتِطْلَاعاً حول عادات القراءة في الوطن العربي.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with اسْتِطْلَاع is confusing it with related but distinct words like بحث (Bahth - research) or دراسة (Dirasa - study). While an Istidlaa' can be part of a study, it refers specifically to the act of gathering data or scouting, not the entire analytical process. For example, you wouldn't say 'I am doing an Istidlaa for my PhD' unless you specifically mean you are conducting a poll. Another mistake is using the wrong preposition. Learners often try to use 'في' (in) when they should use 'حول' (about) or 'لـ' (for). For instance, 'استطلاع حول الرأي العام' is more natural than 'استطلاع في الرأي العام'.

Confusing with 'Istibyan'
Mistake: Using 'Istidlaa' to mean the physical paper/form. Correct: Use 'Istibyan' (questionnaire) for the form and 'Istidlaa' for the survey process.

خطأ: وزعت المعلمة اسْتِطْلَاعاً على الطلاب. (الأفضل: استبياناً)

Another common error involves the military usage. Learners might confuse Istidlaa' with Istihbarat (intelligence). While they are related, Istihbarat refers to the overall intelligence agency or the processed information, whereas Istidlaa' is the tactical act of scouting or reconnaissance. You wouldn't say 'The CIA is an Istidlaa agency'; you would say it's an 'Istihbarat' agency. However, that agency might carry out an 'Istidlaa' mission. Distinguishing between the process (Istidlaa) and the organization/result (Istihbarat) is key to sounding like a B2 speaker.

Preposition Errors
Mistake: 'استطلاع بـ' (survey by). Correct: 'استطلاع لـ' (survey of/for) or 'استطلاع حول' (survey about).

صح: أجرينا اسْتِطْلَاعاً حول رضا العملاء.

Pronunciation can also be a stumbling block. Because of the 'st' and 'tl' sounds, some learners might misplace the vowels. It is Is-tid-laa'. The 'T' is a 'Ta' (ط), which is an emphatic letter, so it should sound deeper and more resonant than a regular 't'. If you pronounce it with a light 't', it might sound like a different word or simply be hard for native speakers to recognize. Finally, remember that Istidlaa' is a noun. If you want to use the verb, it is Istala'a (past) or Yastatli'u (present). Mixing up the noun and verb forms is a classic intermediate mistake.

Verb vs Noun
Mistake: 'أريد أن استطلاع'. Correct: 'أريد أن أستطلع' (verb) or 'أريد إجراء استطلاع' (noun).

صح: أحب أن أستطلع (verb) الأخبار قبل النوم.

خطأ: هذا اسْتِطْلَاع جيد جداً (Meaning 'This is a good research'). الأفضل: هذا بحث جيد.

صح: اسْتِطْلَاع الرأي أداة هامة في السياسة.

To truly master اسْتِطْلَاع, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common alternative is مسح (Mas-h), which literally means 'survey' or 'scan'. While Istidlaa' is often used for opinions or military scouting, Mas-h is more common in technical fields like land surveying (مسح الأراضي) or comprehensive statistical surveys (مسح إحصائي). If you are talking about a census or a massive data collection effort by the government, Mas-h is often the preferred term. However, for a political 'poll', Istidlaa' remains the standard.

Istidlaa' vs. Mas-h
Istidlaa' is for opinions and scouting; Mas-h is for technical surveying, land, or large-scale statistics.

أجرت الحكومة مَسْحاً شاملاً للسكان (Census/Survey).

Another related word is استبيان (Istibyan). As mentioned before, this refers specifically to a questionnaire—the physical or digital list of questions sent to participants. You use an Istibyan to conduct an Istidlaa. If you tell someone 'I filled out an Istidlaa', they will understand you, but 'I filled out an Istibyan' is more precise. In a military context, you might see تجسس (Tajassus - spying). The difference is legality and secrecy: Istidlaa' is often open reconnaissance (like a plane flying in international airspace), whereas Tajassus implies covert, often illegal, spying.

Istidlaa' vs. Istibyan
Istidlaa' is the poll/survey activity; Istibyan is the questionnaire/form itself.

يرجى تعبئة هذا الاسْتِبْيَان بكل دقة.

Finally, consider تحرٍّ (Taharri - investigation/inquiry). This word is used when you are looking for specific facts or investigating a crime or a mystery. While Istidlaa' is about gathering general information or opinions, Taharri is more focused and often associated with the police or detectives (رجال التحري). If you are 'scouting out' a new restaurant, you are doing an Istidlaa; if you are trying to find out who stole your phone, you are doing a Taharri. Knowing these distinctions will allow you to choose the exact right word for the situation.

Istidlaa' vs. Taharri
Istidlaa' is general scouting/polling; Taharri is specific investigation/inquiry.

بدأت الشرطة في التَّحَرِّي عن ملابسات الحادث.

يمكننا استخدام سَبْر الآراء كمرادف لاستطلاع الرأي.

قامت البعثة بـ اسْتِكْشَاف المنطقة (Exploration/Scouting).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"أجرت المؤسسة استطلاعاً شاملاً للرأي العام."

Neutral

"قرأت استطلاعاً عن الهواتف الجديدة."

Informal

"خلينا نعمل استطلاع سريع بيناتنا."

Child friendly

"المستكشف يقوم باستطلاع الغابة."

Slang

"شو استطلاعك للوضع؟"

Fun Fact

The Form X (Istif'al) of this root implies 'asking' or 'seeking' to make something appear or become clear, hence 'seeking to know' or 'scouting'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɪstɪdˈlɑːʔ/
US /ɪstɪdˈlɑːʔ/
The primary stress is on the third syllable: 'laa'.
Rhymes With
انطباع (Intibaa') اجتماع (Ijtimaa') ارتفاع (Irtifaa') صراع (Siraa') ضياع (Diyaa') قناع (Qinaa') خداع (Khidaa') دفاع (Difaa')
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 't' as a soft English 't' instead of the emphatic 'ط'.
  • Omitting the final glottal stop (Hamza).
  • Shortening the long 'aa' vowel.
  • Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
  • Confusing the 's' with a 'sh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news, but requires understanding of Form X nouns.

Writing 5/5

The spelling with 'ط' and 'ع' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 5/5

Requires correct emphasis on the 'ط' sound.

Listening 4/5

Easily recognized by the 'Isti-' prefix in formal contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

رأي بحث معلومات سؤال خرج

Learn Next

تحقيق استنتاج منهجية إحصاء بيانات

Advanced

استقصاء استنباط استخبارات تحرٍّ سبر

Grammar to Know

Form X Verbal Nouns

استطلاع (Istidlaa') follows the pattern 'Istif'aal'.

Idafa (Genitive Construct)

استطلاعُ الرأيِ (The poll of the opinion).

Adjective Agreement

استطلاعٌ شاملٌ (A comprehensive poll) - both masculine and indefinite.

Accusative Case for Objects

أجرينا استطلاعاً (We conducted a poll).

Prepositional Usage

استطلاع حول (Survey about) uses the preposition 'hawla'.

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Examples by Level

1

هذا استطلاع رأي.

This is an opinion poll.

Simple demonstrative sentence.

2

أحب الاستطلاع.

I like the survey/poll.

Direct object with 'I like'.

3

أين الاستطلاع؟

Where is the survey?

Interrogative sentence.

4

الاستطلاع جديد.

The survey is new.

Subject-Adjective sentence.

5

هذا استطلاع عن الأكل.

This is a survey about food.

Using 'an' (about).

6

نحن نقرأ استطلاعاً.

We are reading a poll.

Present tense verb with object.

7

الاستطلاع سهل.

The poll is easy.

Simple predicate.

8

شكراً على الاستطلاع.

Thanks for the survey.

Prepositional phrase.

1

أجرى الطلاب استطلاعاً في المدرسة.

The students conducted a survey in the school.

Past tense verb 'ajra' (conducted).

2

هل شاركت في استطلاع الرأي؟

Did you participate in the opinion poll?

Verb 'sharaka' with preposition 'fi'.

3

نشرت الصحيفة استطلاعاً جديداً.

The newspaper published a new poll.

Subject-Verb-Object order.

4

هذا الاستطلاع حول الرياضة.

This survey is about sports.

Using 'hawla' for 'about'.

5

نتائج الاستطلاع واضحة.

The survey results are clear.

Idafa construction: 'results of the survey'.

6

أريد عمل استطلاع سريع.

I want to do a quick survey.

Noun-Adjective agreement (masculine).

7

الاستطلاع يساعدنا على الفهم.

The survey helps us understand.

Present tense verb 'yusa'idu'.

8

قرأت عن استطلاع هلال رمضان.

I read about the sighting of the Ramadan crescent.

Specific cultural collocation.

1

أظهر استطلاع الرأي أن الناس يفضلون العمل من المنزل.

The opinion poll showed that people prefer working from home.

Verb 'azhara' (showed/revealed).

2

قامت الشركة باستطلاع للسوق قبل إطلاق المنتج.

The company did a market survey before launching the product.

Preposition 'bi-' with the noun.

3

تعتمد هذه الدراسة على استطلاع ميداني شامل.

This study relies on a comprehensive field survey.

Adjective 'maydani' (field-based).

4

ما هي أهداف هذا الاستطلاع؟

What are the goals of this survey?

Plural subject 'ahdaf'.

5

يتم إجراء استطلاع الرأي كل شهر.

The opinion poll is conducted every month.

Passive structure 'yutamma ijra'u'.

6

شاركت في استطلاع إلكتروني حول التعليم عن بعد.

I participated in an electronic survey about remote learning.

Adjective 'iliktroni'.

7

الاستطلاع هو وسيلة جيدة لجمع البيانات.

A survey is a good way to collect data.

Definition-style sentence.

8

أرسل الجيش طائرة استطلاع فوق المنطقة.

The army sent a reconnaissance plane over the area.

Military compound noun.

1

كشف استطلاع الرأي عن فجوة كبيرة بين الأجيال.

The opinion poll revealed a large gap between generations.

Verb 'kashafa' (uncovered/revealed).

2

تتطلب مهمة الاستطلاع مهارات عالية في المراقبة.

The reconnaissance mission requires high skills in observation.

Noun-Idafa-Adjective structure.

3

يعتبر استطلاع هلال العيد من التقاليد الهامة.

Sighting the Eid crescent is considered an important tradition.

Passive verb 'yu'tabaru'.

4

انتقد البعض منهجية الاستطلاع التي اتبعتها القناة.

Some criticized the survey methodology followed by the channel.

Noun 'manhajiyya' (methodology).

5

هدف الاستطلاع هو استكشاف آراء الشباب حول البطالة.

The goal of the survey is to explore youth opinions on unemployment.

Infinitive 'istikshaf' as a goal.

6

تم توزيع الاستطلاع على عينة عشوائية من المواطنين.

The survey was distributed to a random sample of citizens.

Technical term 'ayyana 'ashwa'iyya' (random sample).

7

لا يمكن الاعتماد على هذا الاستطلاع بسبب صغر العينة.

This survey cannot be relied upon due to the small sample size.

Negative passive potential 'la yumkin'.

8

يقوم المركز بإصدار استطلاعات دورية حول الاقتصاد.

The center issues periodic surveys about the economy.

Adjective 'dawriyya' (periodic).

1

أثارت نتائج استطلاع الرأي جدلاً واسعاً في الأوساط السياسية.

The survey results sparked wide debate in political circles.

Verb 'athara' (sparked/provoked).

2

تستخدم الطائرات بدون طيار في عمليات الاستطلاع الجوي.

Drones are used in aerial reconnaissance operations.

Passive present 'tustakhdamu'.

3

يجب مراعاة الدقة والموضوعية عند تصميم أي استطلاع.

Accuracy and objectivity must be considered when designing any survey.

Masdar 'mura'at' (considering/observing).

4

قدمت الدراسة الاستطلاعية رؤية أولية للمشكلة.

The exploratory study provided an initial vision of the problem.

Adjective 'istidla'iyya' (exploratory).

5

تفاوتت الآراء في الاستطلاع الأخير حول السياسة الخارجية.

Opinions varied in the recent poll regarding foreign policy.

Verb 'tafawatat' (varied/differed).

6

يعمل المركز على تطوير أدوات الاستطلاع الرقمي.

The center is working on developing digital survey tools.

Verb 'tatwir' (developing).

7

يتطلب الاستطلاع العسكري تنسيقاً دقيقاً بين الوحدات.

Military reconnaissance requires precise coordination between units.

Noun-Adjective-Noun-Adjective.

8

خلص الاستطلاع إلى أن هناك حاجة ماسة للإصلاح.

The poll concluded that there is an urgent need for reform.

Verb 'khalasa ila' (concluded).

1

تعد استطلاعات الرأي ركيزة أساسية في قياس نبض الشارع.

Opinion polls are a fundamental pillar in measuring the pulse of the street.

Metaphorical usage: 'pulse of the street'.

2

إن الاستطلاع الممنهج هو ما يميز الدراسات العلمية الرصينة.

Systematic polling is what distinguishes solid scientific studies.

Emphasis with 'Inna' and 'huwa'.

3

تم توظيف الاستطلاع كأداة للتعبئة السياسية في الانتخابات.

The poll was employed as a tool for political mobilization in the elections.

Passive 'tawzif' (employment/utilization).

4

تتجاوز أهمية الاستطلاع مجرد جمع الأرقام إلى فهم الدوافع.

The importance of the survey goes beyond mere number gathering to understanding motives.

Verb 'tatajawazu' (transcends/goes beyond).

5

أخفقت بعض استطلاعات الرأي في التنبؤ بنتائج التصويت.

Some opinion polls failed to predict the voting results.

Verb 'akhfaqat' (failed).

6

ينبغي الحذر من تسييس استطلاعات الرأي لخدمة أجندات معينة.

One should be cautious of the politicization of opinion polls to serve specific agendas.

Masdar 'tasyis' (politicization).

7

شكل الاستطلاع الجوي نقطة تحول في تاريخ العمليات الحربية.

Aerial reconnaissance formed a turning point in the history of warfare.

Phrase 'nuqtat tawul' (turning point).

8

تم تحليل بيانات الاستطلاع باستخدام خوارزميات متقدمة.

Survey data was analyzed using advanced algorithms.

Technical 'khawarizmiyyat' (algorithms).

Antonyms

تجاهل

Common Collocations

استطلاع رأي
طائرة استطلاع
استطلاع الهلال
أجرى استطلاعاً
استطلاع ميداني
مهمة استطلاع
استطلاع شامل
مركز استطلاع
نتائج الاستطلاع
استطلاع إلكتروني

Common Phrases

حسب آخر استطلاع

— According to the latest poll. Used to cite data.

حسب آخر استطلاع، الحزب متقدم.

استطلاع الرأي العام

— Public opinion poll. The full formal term.

يهدف استطلاع الرأي العام إلى معرفة التوجهات.

دراسة استطلاعية

— Exploratory study. Used in academic research.

هذه دراسة استطلاعية وليست نهائية.

دورية استطلاع

— Reconnaissance patrol. Military term.

عادت دورية الاستطلاع بتقرير مفصل.

استطلاع أولي

— Initial survey/scouting. First look.

قمنا باستطلاع أولي للموقع.

استطلاع السوق

— Market research/scouting.

استطلاع السوق ضروري للمشاريع الجديدة.

تحت الاستطلاع

— Under reconnaissance/observation.

المنطقة لا تزال تحت الاستطلاع.

استطلاع فني

— Technical survey or scouting.

أجرى المهندس استطلاعاً فنياً للمبنى.

استطلاع جوي

— Aerial reconnaissance.

يوفر الاستطلاع الجوي صوراً واضحة.

نتائج أولية للاستطلاع

— Preliminary results of the poll.

نشرت النتائج الأولية للاستطلاع اليوم.

Often Confused With

اسْتِطْلَاع vs بحث

Bahth is general research; Istidlaa is specifically polling or scouting.

اسْتِطْلَاع vs دراسة

Dirasa is a study; Istidlaa is a data collection method used within a study.

اسْتِطْلَاع vs تحقيق

Tahqiq is an investigation or achievement; Istidlaa is exploratory.

Idioms & Expressions

"استطلاع الهلال"

— Literally 'scouting the crescent'. It refers to the official observation of the moon to start Islamic months.

ينتظر المسلمون استطلاع الهلال.

Religious/Cultural
"استطلاع الأثر"

— Tracking footprints or signs left behind. Archaic scouting.

كان البدو خبراء في استطلاع الأثر.

Literary/Historical
"استطلاع النوايا"

— Trying to find out someone's hidden intentions (scouting intentions).

كان الاجتماع مجرد استطلاع للنوايا.

Political/Diplomatic
"استطلاع آفاق المستقبل"

— Exploring future prospects or possibilities.

يهدف المؤتمر إلى استطلاع آفاق المستقبل.

Formal/Academic
"عين الاستطلاع"

— The 'eye' of reconnaissance; referring to a scout or a drone.

كانت الطائرة هي عين الاستطلاع للقوات.

Military
"جس النبض"

— Testing the waters (similar to a quick poll/Istidlaa).

أطلق تصريحاً لجس النبض (استطلاع أولي).

Informal/Political
"استطلاع ما وراء الستار"

— Exploring what is behind the scenes.

حاول الصحفي استطلاع ما وراء الستار.

Journalistic
"رحلة استطلاعية"

— A trip taken specifically to scout or learn about a place.

قمنا برحلة استطلاعية للمدينة الجديدة.

General
"استطلاع الرأي لا يغني عن الواقع"

— Polls are not a substitute for reality.

تذكر أن استطلاع الرأي لا يغني عن الواقع.

Philosophical
"استطلاع البرق"

— Looking for lightning (ancient way of predicting rain).

كانوا يخرجون لاستطلاع البرق.

Archaic/Poetic

Easily Confused

اسْتِطْلَاع vs استبيان

Both relate to surveys.

Istibyan is the physical questionnaire; Istidlaa is the polling process.

وزعنا الاستبيان لإجراء الاستطلاع.

اسْتِطْلَاع vs مسح

Both mean survey.

Mas-h is technical/statistical/land; Istidlaa is opinion/reconnaissance.

أجرينا مسحاً للأراضي واستطلاعاً للسكان.

اسْتِطْلَاع vs استخبارات

Both relate to military info.

Istihbarat is the agency/intelligence; Istidlaa is the act of scouting.

قامت الاستخبارات بمهمة استطلاع.

اسْتِطْلَاع vs استكشاف

Both mean exploration.

Istikshaf is for new places/science; Istidlaa is for opinions/military scouting.

استكشاف الفضاء يختلف عن استطلاع الرأي.

اسْتِطْلَاع vs تفتيش

Both involve looking.

Taftish is inspection/searching for something hidden; Istidlaa is gathering info.

قام الشرطي بالتفتيش بعد الاستطلاع.

Sentence Patterns

A2

هذا استطلاع [Adjective].

هذا استطلاع مفيد.

B1

أجرى [Subject] استطلاعاً حول [Topic].

أجرى المركز استطلاعاً حول الصحة.

B1

أظهر الاستطلاع أن [Clause].

أظهر الاستطلاع أن الناس سعداء.

B2

تعتمد [Noun] على نتائج الاستطلاع.

تعتمد الشركة على نتائج الاستطلاع.

B2

تم إرسال [Noun] للاستطلاع.

تم إرسال طائرة للاستطلاع.

C1

أثارت نتائج الاستطلاع [Noun].

أثارت نتائج الاستطلاع قلق الحكومة.

C1

بالرغم من نتائج الاستطلاع، فإن [Clause].

بالرغم من نتائج الاستطلاع، فإن الواقع مختلف.

C2

يعد الاستطلاع أداة لا غنى عنها في [Field].

يعد الاستطلاع أداة لا غنى عنها في العلوم السياسية.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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How to Use It

frequency

High in media, military, and academic domains.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'Istidlaa' for the physical paper. → استبيان (Istibyan)

    Istibyan is the tool (the form); Istidlaa is the process (the poll).

  • Using 'في' instead of 'حول' for the topic. → استطلاع حول الاقتصاد

    While 'fi' is sometimes used, 'hawla' (about) is much more common and natural for survey topics.

  • Pronouncing 'ط' as 'ت'. → Is-tid-laa' (with emphatic T)

    Replacing 'ط' with 'ت' can change the meaning or make the word unrecognizable.

  • Using 'Istidlaa' to mean a university study. → دراسة (Dirasa)

    Istidlaa is only a part of a study (the data gathering), not the whole academic work.

  • Confusing 'Istihbarat' with 'Istidlaa'. → الاستخبارات (Intelligence Agency)

    Istihbarat is the organization; Istidlaa is the specific scouting mission.

Tips

Use the right verb

Pair 'Istidlaa' with 'أجرى' (conducted) to sound more natural and professional in written Arabic.

Distinguish from Mas-h

Use 'Istidlaa' for opinions and 'Mas-h' for technical measurements like land or census data.

Emphasize the Ta

The letter 'ط' is emphatic. Practice saying it by pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth to get a deep sound.

Watch the news

News channels are the best place to hear 'Istidlaa' used in context. Listen for it during election coverage.

Moon sighting

Remember 'Istidlaa al-Hilal' as a key cultural phrase. It helps you connect the word to a very important tradition.

Exploratory Studies

If you are writing an essay, use 'دراسة استطلاعية' to describe preliminary research.

Drones

When you see 'UAV' in English news about the Middle East, look for 'طائرة استطلاع' in the Arabic version.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'Istidlaa' is masculine, ensure all describing words like 'شامل' (comprehensive) are also masculine.

Root T-L-3

Learn other words from the same root like 'Tala'a' (rose/appeared) to see how they all relate to seeing or appearing.

Istidlaa Ra'y

Memorize 'استطلاع رأي' as a single unit; it's the most common way you'll use the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'I-Still-Look' - Is-ti-d-laa'. You are 'still looking' for information or 'scouting' for answers.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a telescope (scouting) while also holding a clipboard (polling). Both are 'Istidlaa'.

Word Web

Poll Survey Reconnaissance Scouting Exploration Questionnaire Data Intelligence

Challenge

Try to use 'Istidlaa' in a sentence about your favorite hobby and how you would survey others about it.

Word Origin

From the Arabic root ط-ل-ع (T-L-3), which fundamentally relates to rising, appearing, or going up.

Original meaning: The root originally described the rising of the sun (Tulu' al-Shams).

Semitic / Afroasiatic.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'Istidlaa' in sensitive military zones; it can be interpreted as suspicious activity (spying).

English speakers often use separate words for 'poll' and 'reconnaissance'. Arabic uses one word to cover the concept of 'scouting for info'.

Al Jazeera's 'Istidla'at' segments. The Arab Opinion Index (largest public opinion poll in the region). Historical accounts of the Battle of Badr mentioning scouts.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Political Elections

  • نتائج استطلاع الرأي
  • تقدم المرشح في الاستطلاع
  • هامش الخطأ في الاستطلاع
  • عينة الاستطلاع

Military Operations

  • طائرة استطلاع بدون طيار
  • مهمة استطلاع خلف الخطوط
  • تقرير استطلاع عسكري
  • دورية استطلاع

Market Research

  • استطلاع السوق
  • رضا العملاء في الاستطلاع
  • إجراء استطلاع للمستهلكين
  • تحليل نتائج الاستطلاع

Religious Events

  • استطلاع هلال رمضان
  • لجنة استطلاع الأهلة
  • ثبوت رؤية الهلال
  • موعد الاستطلاع

Academic Research

  • دراسة استطلاعية أولية
  • أدوات الاستطلاع العلمي
  • منهجية الاستطلاع
  • توزيع الاستطلاع على الطلاب

Conversation Starters

"ما رأيك في نتائج آخر استطلاع للرأي؟"

"هل سبق لك أن شاركت في استطلاع إلكتروني؟"

"لماذا تعتقد أن استطلاعات الرأي قد تخطئ أحياناً؟"

"هل تعتقد أن طائرات الاستطلاع تحمي الحدود بشكل جيد؟"

"كيف يمكننا إجراء استطلاع بسيط لاختيار مكان الرحلة؟"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن استطلاع رأي قرأته مؤخراً وكيف أثرت نتائجه على تفكيرك.

تخيل أنك تعمل في مركز استطلاع؛ ما هي الأسئلة التي ستطرحها حول مستقبل التكنولوجيا؟

صف أهمية استطلاع الهلال في بلدك وكيف يستعد الناس لهذه اللحظة.

هل تعتقد أن الاستطلاع العسكري ضروري للسلام؟ ناقش وجهة نظرك.

اكتب عن تجربة قمت فيها بـ 'استطلاع' مكان جديد قبل الذهاب إليه.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Istidlaa (استطلاع) is the act of polling or surveying people's opinions, or military reconnaissance. Istibyan (استبيان) is the actual questionnaire or form used to collect those opinions. You conduct an Istidlaa using an Istibyan.

Yes, especially in the early stages of research. It is called 'Dirasa Istidla'iyya' (exploratory study), which helps researchers get an initial understanding of a topic before doing a deep dive.

Not commonly. It is a formal word. In slang, people might say 'shufu' (look) or 'is'alu' (ask). However, 'جس النبض' (testing the pulse) is a common idiomatic alternative for a quick opinion check.

The standard term is 'استطلاع رأي' (Istidlaa Ra'y). You can also say 'استطلاع للرأي العام' (Istidlaa lil-ra'y al-'amm) for 'public opinion poll'.

It means 'reconnaissance plane' or 'scout plane'. Today, it is frequently used to refer to military drones (UAVs) used for surveillance.

No. In a military or exploratory context, it involves scouting physical locations or enemy movements. Only in 'Istidlaa Ra'y' does it specifically involve people's opinions.

The plural is 'استطلاعات' (Istidlaa'aat). It follows the regular feminine plural pattern used for many non-human verbal nouns.

Yes! Both come from the root T-L-3. 'Tulu' al-Shams' is sunrise. 'Istidlaa' is seeking to make information 'rise' or appear to you.

It is performed at the end of every lunar month in the Islamic calendar, most famously before Ramadan and Eid, to confirm the start of the new month.

It is a noun (specifically a Masdar). The verb is 'استطلع' (Istala'a), meaning 'to survey' or 'to scout'.

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Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a simple sentence using 'استطلاع رأي'.

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writing

Translate: 'The company conducted a market survey.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a reconnaissance plane.

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writing

Explain the importance of opinion polls in a sentence.

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writing

Use the word 'نتائج' and 'استطلاع' in one sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'I participated in the survey.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'استطلاع هلال رمضان'.

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writing

Discuss the limitations of polls in a formal sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The students published a survey about education.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'استطلاع ميداني'.

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writing

Write: 'The poll is easy.'

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writing

Translate: 'What are the results of the poll?'

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writing

Use 'دراسة استطلاعية' in a sentence about a new project.

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writing

Write a sentence about a scouting mission.

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writing

Translate: 'I like this electronic survey.'

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writing

Write: 'The newspaper published a poll.'

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writing

Translate: 'The margin of error is small.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'scouting intentions'.

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writing

Write: 'We are reading the results.'

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writing

Write a complex sentence about the role of polls in policy making.

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speaking

Say 'Opinion Poll' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The survey is good' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Reconnaissance plane' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Exploratory study' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'I participated in the poll' in Arabic.

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speaking

Pronounce 'Istidlaa' clearly.

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speaking

Say 'Market survey' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'According to opinion polls' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'What are the results?' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Moon sighting' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'New survey' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'We conducted a survey' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Digital survey' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Field survey' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Electronic survey' in Arabic.

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listening

Listen to 'أجرى المركز استطلاع رأي'. What word was used for poll?

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listening

Listen to 'نتائج الاستطلاع واضحة'. What was clear?

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listening

Listen to 'طائرة استطلاع فوق المدينة'. Where was the plane?

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listening

Listen to 'دراسة استطلاعية شاملة'. What kind of study is it?

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listening

Listen to 'شاركت في الاستطلاع'. What did the person do?

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listening

Listen to 'هذا استطلاع جديد'. Is it old or new?

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listening

Listen to 'استطلاع هلال رمضان غداً'. What is happening tomorrow?

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listening

Listen to 'هامش الخطأ في الاستطلاع'. What technical term was used?

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listening

Listen to 'نشرت الصحيفة النتائج'. Who published the results?

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listening

Listen to 'مهمة استطلاع عسكرية'. What kind of mission is it?

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listening

Listen to 'استطلاع'. Repeat the word.

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listening

Listen to 'أجرى الطلاب استطلاعاً'. Who did the survey?

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listening

Listen to 'استطلاع السوق ضروري'. What is necessary?

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listening

Listen to 'أثارت النتائج جدلاً'. What did the results cause?

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listening

Listen to 'الاستطلاع حول البيئة'. What is the topic?

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