Poll vs. Pull — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 14, 2024
Poll refers to a survey or inquiry to measure opinions or preferences, while pull signifies the act of drawing or exerting force to move something towards oneself.
Difference Between Poll and Pull
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Poll is commonly associated with surveys and voting, used to gauge public opinion, preferences, or behaviors by asking a series of questions. It's a method for collecting data from a selected group of individuals to infer the sentiments or opinions of a larger population. On the other hand, pull involves applying force on an object to move it closer to the source of the force. This action is often physical but can also be used metaphorically to describe influence or attraction in various contexts.
In the context of software and technology, "poll" can mean checking the status of a device or service at regular intervals to ensure functionality or updates. Conversely, "pull" in tech can refer to retrieving data or updates from a server or to a 'pull request' in version control systems, where changes are proposed and reviewed before integration.
The outcomes of a poll can influence decisions, policies, or strategies in fields such as politics, marketing, and social research. Pull, however, often relates to mechanics or personal interactions, influencing movements, alignments, or the arrangement of physical objects.
Both terms have their place in colloquial language and idioms. For example, "take a poll" implies conducting a survey, while "pull one's weight" means to do one's fair share of work. Despite their distinct meanings, both terms are integral to understanding human interactions, be it through the expression of opinions or the physical and metaphorical act of pulling.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A survey or inquiry to gather opinions or preferences.
The act of drawing or exerting force on something.
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Context
Surveys, voting, data collection.
Physical movement, influence, attraction.
Application
Politics, marketing, social research.
Mechanics, personal interactions, technology.
Outcome
Influences decisions, policies, strategies.
Influences movements, arrangements, integrations.
Idiomatic Usage
"Take a poll" – conduct a survey.
"Pull one's weight" – contribute fairly.
Compare with Definitions
Poll
They are a method of data collection in research to analyze trends and preferences.
Marketers often conduct polls to gauge consumer interest in new products.
Pull
Pulling is a physical action that involves drawing an object closer.
She had to pull hard to open the stuck drawer.
Poll
Polls can be conducted in various formats, including in-person interviews, online surveys, and phone calls.
Participants completed the poll online, making data collection efficient and widespread.
Pull
In mechanics, pull describes the force required to operate a device or mechanism.
The engineer calculated the pull needed to activate the emergency brake.
Poll
Polls are essential for understanding public sentiment on various issues.
The latest poll showed a shift in public opinion towards environmental policies.
Pull
Pull can also refer to exerting influence or having a persuasive effect on others.
The charismatic leader had a strong pull on his followers, guiding their actions and beliefs.
Poll
The results of polls can significantly influence political and business decisions.
The politician changed her campaign strategy based on recent poll results.
Pull
Pull is used metaphorically to describe attractions or affinities between people, places, or ideas.
Despite the distance, there was an undeniable pull between them, keeping their relationship strong.
Poll
Polls involve selecting a representative sample to infer the opinions of a larger group.
The research team carefully selected a diverse sample for their poll to ensure accurate results.
Pull
In technology, "pull" refers to retrieving data or changes from a server or repository.
Developers often pull the latest updates from the code repository before adding new features.
Poll
The casting and registering of votes in an election.
Pull
To apply force to (something) so as to cause or tend to cause motion toward the source of the force
Pulled her chair up to the table.
Pulled the wagon down the street.
Poll
The number of votes cast or recorded.
Pull
To remove from a fixed position; extract
The dentist pulled the tooth.
Poll
The places where votes are cast and registered during an election, considered as a group
The polls close in this state at 8:00.
Pull
To tug at; jerk or tweak
I pulled the lever until it broke.
Poll
A place where votes are cast and registered
I went to the polls before work to cast a vote.
Pull
To rip or tear; rend
The dog pulled the toy to pieces.
Poll
A survey of the public or of a sample of public opinion to acquire information.
Pull
To stretch (taffy, for example) repeatedly.
Poll
The head, especially the top of the head where hair grows.
Pull
To strain (a muscle, for example) injuriously.
Poll
The blunt or broad end of a tool such as a hammer or axe.
Pull
(Informal) To attract; draw
A performer who pulls large crowds.
Poll
To receive (a given number of votes).
Pull
(Slang) To draw out (a weapon) in readiness for use
Pull a gun.
Pulled a knife on me.
Poll
To receive or record the votes of
Polling a jury.
Pull
(Informal) To remove
Pulled the car's engine.
Pulled the tainted meat product from the stores.
Poll
To cast (a vote or ballot).
Pull
(Sports) To hit (a ball) so that it moves in the direction away from the dominant hand of the player propelling it, as to the left of a right-handed player.
Poll
To question in a survey; canvass.
Pull
To operate (an oar) in rowing.
Poll
To cut off or trim (hair, horns, or wool, for example); clip.
Pull
To transport or propel by rowing.
Poll
To trim or cut off the hair, wool, branches, or horns of
Polled the sheep.
Polled the trees.
Pull
To be rowed by
That boat pulls six oars.
Poll
To vote at the polls in an election.
Pull
To rein in (a horse) to keep it from winning a race.
Poll
A survey of people, usually statistically analyzed to gauge wider public opinion.
Pull
(Printing) To produce (a print or an impression) from type.
Poll
A formal vote held in order to ascertain the most popular choice.
The student council had a poll to see what people want served in the cafeteria.
Pull
To exert force in moving something toward the source of the force
Pull harder and the window will open.
Poll
A polling place
The polls close at 8 p.m.
Pull
To move in a certain direction or toward a certain goal
Pulled into the driveway.
Pulled even with the race leader.
Poll
The result of the voting, the total number of votes recorded. can "poll" also have another sense synonymous with "electoral register"?
Pull
To gain a position closer to an objective
Our team has pulled within three points of the league leader.
Poll
The head, particularly the scalp or pate upon which hair (normally) grows.
Pull
To drink or inhale deeply
Pulled on the cold beer with gusto.
Pull on a cigarette.
Poll
(in extended senses of the above) A mass of people, a mob or muster, considered as a head count.
Pull
(Nautical) To row a boat.
Poll
The broad or butt end of an axe or a hammer.
Pull
(Informal) To express or feel great sympathy or empathy
We're pulling for our new president.
Poll
The pollard or European chub, a kind of fish.
Pull
The act or process of pulling
Gave the drawer a pull.
Poll
A pet parrot.
Pull
Force exerted in pulling or required to overcome resistance in pulling
How much pull does this tugboat have?.
Poll
One who does not try for honors at university, but is content to take a degree merely; a passman.
Pull
A sustained effort
A long pull across the mountains.
Poll
(transitive) To take, record the votes of (an electorate).
Pull
Something, such as a knob on a drawer, that is used for pulling.
Poll
(transitive) To solicit mock votes from (a person or group).
Pull
A deep inhalation or draft, as on a cigarette or of a beverage.
Poll
(intransitive) To vote at an election.
Pull
(Slang) A means of gaining special advantage; influence
The lobbyist has pull with the senator.
Poll
To register or deposit, as a vote; to elicit or call forth, as votes or voters.
He polled a hundred votes more than his opponent.
Pull
(Informal) The ability to draw or attract; appeal
A star with pull at the box office.
Poll
To cut off; to remove by clipping, shearing, etc.; to mow or crop.
To poll the hair; to poll wool; to poll grass
Pull
To apply a force to (an object) so that it comes toward the person or thing applying the force.
When I give the signal, pull the rope.
You're going to have to pull harder to get that cork out of the bottle.
Poll
(transitive) To cut the hair of (a creature).
Pull
To gather with the hand, or by drawing toward oneself; to pluck.
To pull fruit from a tree
Pull flax
Pull a finch
Poll
(transitive) To remove the horns of (an animal).
Pull
(transitive) To attract or net; to pull in.
Poll
To remove the top or end of; to clip; to lop.
To poll a tree
Pull
(transitive) To remove (something), especially from public circulation or availability.
Each day, they pulled the old bread and set out fresh loaves.
The book was due to be released today, but it was pulled at the last minute over legal concerns.
Poll
To (repeatedly) request the status of something (such as a computer or printer on a network).
The network hub polled the department’s computers to determine which ones could still respond.
Pull
(transitive) To retrieve or generate for use.
I'll have to pull a part number for that.
This computer file is incorrect. Can we pull the old version from your backups?
Poll
To be judged in a poll.
Pull
(construction) To obtain (a permit) from a regulatory authority.
It's the contractor's responsibility to pull the necessary permits before starting work.
Poll
(obsolete) To extort from; to plunder; to strip.
Pull
To do or perform.
He regularly pulls 12-hour days, sometimes 14.
You'll be sent home if you pull another stunt like that.
Poll
To impose a tax upon.
Pull
(with 'a' and the name of a person, place, event, etc.) To copy or emulate the actions or behaviour that is associated with the person or thing mentioned.
He pulled an Elvis and got really fat.
Poll
To pay as one's personal tax.
Pull
To toss a frisbee with the intention of launching the disc across the length of a field.
Poll
To enter, as polls or persons, in a list or register; to enroll, especially for purposes of taxation; to enumerate one by one.
Pull
(intransitive) To row.
Poll
(legal) To cut or shave smooth or even; to cut in a straight line without indentation
A polled deed
Pull
To achieve by rowing on a rowing machine.
I pulled a personal best on the erg yesterday.
It had been a sort of race hitherto, and the rowers, with set teeth and compressed lips, had pulled stroke for stroke.
Poll
(of kinds of livestock which typically have horns) Bred without horns, and thus hornless.
Poll Hereford
Red Poll cows
Pull
To draw apart; to tear; to rend.
Poll
A parrot; - familiarly so called.
Pull
(transitive) To strain (a muscle, tendon, ligament, etc.).
Poll
One who does not try for honors, but is content to take a degree merely; a passman.
Pull
To draw (a hostile non-player character) into combat, or toward or away from some location or target.
Poll
The head; the back part of the head.
Pull
(UK) To score a certain number of points in a sport.
How many points did you pull today, Albert?
Poll
A number or aggregate of heads; a list or register of heads or individuals.
We are the greater poll, and in true fearThey gave us our demands.
The muster file, rotten and sound, upon my life, amounts not to fifteen thousand poll.
Pull
(horse-racing) To hold back, and so prevent from winning.
The favourite was pulled.
Poll
Specifically, the register of the names of electors who may vote in an election.
Pull
To take or make (a proof or impression); so called because hand presses were worked by pulling a lever.
Poll
The casting or recording of the votes of registered electors; as, the close of the poll.
All soldiers quartered in place are to remove . . . and not to return till one day after the poll is ended.
Pull
To strike the ball in a particular manner. (See noun sense.)
Poll
The place where the votes are cast or recorded; as, to go to the polls.
Pull
(UK) To draw beer from a pump, keg, or other source.
Let's stop at Finnigan's. The barman pulls a good pint.
Poll
The broad end of a hammer; the but of an ax.
Pull
(intransitive) To take a swig or mouthful of drink.
Poll
The European chub. See Pollard, 3 (a).
Pull
To pull out from a yard or station; to leave.
Poll
To cut off; to remove by clipping, shearing, etc.; to mow or crop; - sometimes with off; as, to poll the hair; to poll wool; to poll grass.
Who, as he polled off his dart's head, so sure he had decreedThat all the counsels of their war he would poll off like it.
Pull
To pluck or pick (flowers, fruit etc.).
Poll
To extort from; to plunder; to strip.
Which polls and pills the poor in piteous wise.
Pull
(sports) Command used by a target shooter to request that the target be released/launched.
Poll
To impose a tax upon.
Pull
An act of pulling applying force toward oneself.
He gave the hair a sharp pull and it came out.
Poll
To pay as one's personal tax.
The man that polled but twelve pence for his head.
Pull
An attractive force which causes motion towards the source.
The spaceship came under the pull of the gas giant.
Iron fillings drawn by the pull of a magnet
She took a pull on her cigarette.
Poll
To enter, as polls or persons, in a list or register; to enroll, esp. for purposes of taxation; to enumerate one by one.
Polling the reformed churches whether they equalize in number those of his three kingdoms.
Pull
An advantage over somebody; a means of influencing.
The hypnotist exerted a pull over his patients.
Poll
To register or deposit, as a vote; to elicit or call forth, as votes or voters; as, he polled a hundred votes more than his opponent.
And poll for points of faith his trusty vote.
Pull
Any device meant to be pulled, as a lever, knob, handle, or rope.
A zipper pull
Poll
To cut or shave smooth or even; to cut in a straight line without indentation; as, a polled deed. See Dee poll.
Pull
Something in one's favour in a comparison or a contest.
In weights the favourite had the pull.
Poll
To vote at an election.
Pull
Or attraction (e.g. of a movie star).
Poll
An inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people
Pull
The situation where a client sends out a request for data from a server, as in server pull, pull technology
Poll
The top of the head
Pull
A journey made by rowing.
Poll
The part of the head between the ears
Pull
(dated) A contest; a struggle.
A wrestling pull
Poll
A tame parrot
Pull
Loss or violence suffered.
Poll
The counting of votes (as in an election)
Pull
(colloquial) The act of drinking; a mouthful or swig of a drink.
Poll
Get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions
Pull
(cricket) A type of stroke by which a leg ball is sent to the off side, or an off ball to the on side; a pull shot.
Poll
Vote in an election at a polling station
Pull
(golf) A mishit shot which travels in a straight line and (for a right-handed player) left of the intended path.
Poll
Get the votes of
Pull
A single impression from a handpress.
Poll
Convert into a pollard;
Pollard trees
Pull
(printing) A proof sheet.
Pull
To draw, or attempt to draw, toward one; to draw forcibly.
Ne'er pull your hat upon your brows.
He put forth his hand . . . and pulled her in.
Pull
To draw apart; to tear; to rend.
He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces; he hath made me desolate.
Pull
To gather with the hand, or by drawing toward one; to pluck; as, to pull fruit; to pull flax; to pull a finch.
Pull
To move or operate by the motion of drawing towards one; as, to pull a bell; to pull an oar.
Pull
To hold back, and so prevent from winning; as, the favorite was pulled.
Pull
To take or make, as a proof or impression; - hand presses being worked by pulling a lever.
Pull
To exert one's self in an act or motion of drawing or hauling; to tug; as, to pull at a rope.
Pull
The act of pulling or drawing with force; an effort to move something by drawing toward one.
I awakened with a violent pull upon the ring which was fastened at the top of my box.
Pull
A contest; a struggle; as, a wrestling pull.
Pull
A pluck; loss or violence suffered.
Two pulls at once;His lady banished, and a limb lopped off.
Pull
A knob, handle, or lever, etc., by which anything is pulled; as, a drawer pull; a bell pull.
Pull
The act of rowing; as, a pull on the river.
Pull
The act of drinking; as, to take a pull at the beer, or the mug.
Pull
Something in one's favor in a comparison or a contest; an advantage; means of influencing; as, in weights the favorite had the pull.
Pull
A kind of stroke by which a leg ball is sent to the off side, or an off ball to the side.
The pull is not a legitimate stroke, but bad cricket.
Pull
The act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you;
The pull up the hill had him breathing harder
His strenuous pulling strained his back
Pull
The force used in pulling;
The pull of the moon
The pull of the current
Pull
Special advantage or influence;
The chairman's nephew has a lot of pull
Pull
A device used for pulling something;
He grabbed the pull and opened the drawer
Pull
A sharp strain on muscles or ligaments;
The wrench to his knee occurred as he fell
He was sidelined with a hamstring pull
Pull
A slow inhalation (as of tobacco smoke);
He took a puff on his pipe
He took a drag on his cigarette and expelled the smoke slowly
Pull
A sustained effort;
It was a long pull but we made it
Pull
Cause to move along the ground by pulling;
Draw a wagon
Pull a sled
Pull
Direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes;
Her good looks attract the stares of many men
The ad pulled in many potential customers
This pianist pulls huge crowds
The store owner was happy that the ad drew in many new customers
Pull
Move into a certain direction;
The car pulls to the right
Pull
Apply force so as to cause motion towards the source of the motion;
Pull the rope
Pull the handle towards you
Pull the string gently
Pull the trigger of the gun
Pull your kneees towards your chin
Pull
Perform an act, usually with a negative connotation;
Perpetrate a crime
Pull a bank robbery
Pull
Bring, take, or pull out of a container or from under a cover;
Draw a weapon
Pull out a gun
The mugger pulled a knife on his victim
Pull
Steer into a certain direction;
Pull one's horse to a stand
Pull the car over
Pull
Strain abnormally;
I pulled a muscle in my leg when I jumped up
The athlete pulled a tendon in the competition
Pull
Cause to move in a certain direction by exerting a force upon, either physically or in an abstract sense;
A declining dollar pulled down the export figures for the last quarter
Pull
Operate when rowing a boat;
Pull the oars
Pull
Rein in to keep from winning a race;
Pull a horse
Pull
Tear or be torn violently;
The curtain ripped from top to bottom
Pull the cooked chicken into strips
Pull
Hit in the direction that the player is facing when carrying through the swing;
Pull the ball
Pull
Strip of feathers;
Pull a chicken
Pluck the capon
Pull
Draw or pull out, usually with some force or effort; also used in an abstract sense;
Pull weeds
Extract a bad tooth
Take out a splinter
Extract information from the telegram
Pull
Take sides with; align oneself with; show strong sympathy for;
We all rooted for the home team
I'm pulling for the underdog
Are you siding with the defender of the title?
Pull
Take away;
Pull the old soup cans from the supermarket shelf
Common Curiosities
Can "pull" be used in a non-physical sense?
Yes, "pull" can also refer to influence, attraction, or the act of retrieving information in non-physical contexts.
How are poll participants chosen?
Poll participants are often chosen through random sampling to represent a broader population accurately, though methodologies can vary.
How do poll results impact society?
Poll results can impact society by influencing political decisions, shaping public policies, and guiding marketing strategies.
What does "pull request" mean in programming?
A "pull request" in programming is a method used in version control systems to request reviews of changes or additions to the code before merging them into the main project.
What does "pull factors" refer to in migration?
"Pull factors" in migration refer to the positive attributes of a destination that attract individuals or groups to move there.
How do digital polls work?
Digital polls work by distributing surveys through online platforms or apps, allowing participants to submit their responses electronically.
What is the purpose of a poll?
The purpose of a poll is to collect data on opinions, preferences, or behaviors from a selected group to infer the sentiments of a larger population.
Can the term "pull" relate to gravitational forces?
Yes, "pull" can refer to gravitational forces, as in the pull of the Earth that keeps objects grounded.
What is the difference between "pull up" and "pull down" in digital interfaces?
"Pull up" typically refers to bringing something towards a higher point on the screen, while "pull down" involves dragging something to a lower point, often used in menu interactions.
Can polls influence public opinion?
Yes, polls can influence public opinion by highlighting prevailing views, creating a bandwagon effect, or providing information that shapes perceptions.
How do "pull factors" differ in various contexts?
"Pull factors" can vary widely depending on the context, such as economic opportunities in migration, attraction in relationships, or user benefits in technology adoption.
What does it mean to "pull strings"?
To "pull strings" means to use one's influence, often in a behind-the-scenes way, to achieve a desired outcome.
Is a poll always accurate?
Polls aim to be accurate but can be subject to sampling errors, biased questions, and respondent honesty, potentially affecting their reliability.
How does the concept of "pull" apply in marketing?
In marketing, "pull" strategies involve creating demand for a product or brand, drawing customers in rather than pushing the product onto them.
What are "push and pull" factors in economics?
In economics, "push and pull" factors refer to forces that drive people away from or attract them to certain decisions, such as migration or job changes.
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Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
