Lobby Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lobby
[ˈlɒbi ]
Definitions
in a building
A room providing a space out of which one or more other rooms or corridors lead, typically one near the entrance of a public building.
Synonyms
entrance hall, foyer, reception area.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lobby |
Typically used in hotels, theaters, or office buildings. It is a common area people pass through before entering different rooms or areas. It can also imply an area where people wait or meet.
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| foyer |
Typically used to describe a spacious entry area in a public building like a theater, hotel, or large house. It gives an impression of grandeur and elegance.
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| entrance hall |
Mostly refers to the area directly inside the main door of a house or a residential building. It's where people first enter and often remove their coats or shoes.
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| reception area |
Found in offices, hospitals, or other service-oriented businesses. It is often staffed by a receptionist who assists visitors, making it the first point of contact.
|
Examples of usage
- The hotel lobby was spacious and elegantly decorated.
- We waited in the lobby for our appointment.
politics
A group of people seeking to influence politicians or public officials on a particular issue.
Synonyms
advocacy group, interest group, pressure group.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lobby |
Used to refer to a group of people seeking to influence a politician or public official on a particular issue.
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| pressure group |
Often used to describe groups that use more direct and sometimes aggressive tactics to influence policy, and can have a somewhat negative connotation.
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| interest group |
Generally refers to a group of people or organizations that seek to influence public policy based on shared concerns or interests.
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| advocacy group |
Typically used for organizations that promote a specific cause or agenda and try to affect policy decisions in their favor.
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Examples of usage
- The environmental lobby has been campaigning for stricter regulations.
- The gun lobby opposes any new gun control measures.
politics
Seek to influence (a politician or public official) on an issue.
Synonyms
advocate, influence, petition.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lobby |
Used when a group or an individual tries to persuade politicians or government officials to support a specific cause or legislation. Often employed in the context of organized efforts by companies or interest groups.
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| influence |
Utilized to describe the capacity to affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something or the effect itself. It can have both positive and negative connotations.
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| advocate |
Employed when someone publicly supports or argues for a particular cause or policy, often on a broader scale than lobbying. Advocacy can be both formal and informal.
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| petition |
Refers to a formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority with respect to a particular cause. Common in grassroots movements and legal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The organization lobbied Congress to pass the new bill.
- They have been lobbying for increased funding for education.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Political Influence
- Lobbying is a significant part of democratic systems, allowing different groups to have their say in government decisions.
- There are specialized organizations known as 'lobbying firms' that strategize and represent various interests, from corporations to non-profits.
Pop Culture
- The film 'The Inside Job' illustrates the influence of lobbying in the financial crisis, showing how decisions can favor certain interests over the public good.
- TV shows often depict lobbyists as charismatic figures who navigate the corridors of power, highlighting the blend of charm and strategy in their profession.
Economics
- Lobbying can impact economic policies, influencing laws that affect business regulations, taxes, and trade agreements.
- Studies suggest that industries with more lobbying expenditures often gain favorable legislation, demonstrating the financial power wielded in politics.
Ethics
- There are ongoing debates about the ethical implications of lobbying; supporters argue it democratizes access to lawmakers, while critics claim it leads to corruption and favoritism.
- Regulatory measures vary by country, with some requiring lobbyists to disclose their activities to promote transparency in government relations.
Origin of 'lobby'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'lobbyium', meaning a covered walk or corridor.
- Its use in political context emerged in the United States around the 19th century, referring to people waiting in the lobby of a legislative building to meet lawmakers.
The word 'lobby' originated in the 16th century, from the Medieval Latin 'lobium' meaning covered walk or portico. It was initially used to describe a corridor or passageway, eventually evolving to refer to the entrance area of a building where people gather. In the political sense, lobbying dates back to the 19th century when interest groups began to advocate for their causes with lawmakers.
See also: lobbying.