lobbying

Pronunciation

lobbying (loʊ-bi-ɪŋ)

• loʊ

• /l/ - voiced alveolar consonant (like the "l" in "lip")

• /ɔ/ - close back rounded vowel (like the "aw" in "saw")

• bi

• /b/ - voiced bilabial consonant (like the "b" in "boy")

• /ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel (like the "i" in "bit")

• ɪŋ

• /ŋ/ - voiced velar nasal consonant (like the "ng" in "sing")

Word Form Variations

Lobbying is already the gerund (verb ending in -ing) form of the verb "to lobby". Here's a breakdown of the word forms for "lobby":

• Verb:

• Present tense (singular and plural): lobbies

• Past tense (singular and plural): lobbied

• Past participle: lobbied

• Present participle (gerund): lobbying (as you already mentioned)

• Noun:

• Singular: lobby (also refers to the physical hallway)

• Plural: lobbies (also refers to the physical hallways)

There are no other derivations of the word "lobby" related to its political influence meaning.

Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms

Noun:

• Definition: The act of attempting to influence the decisions of lawmakers or government officials, typically by special interest groups.

• Synonyms: advocacy, pressure politics, influence peddling

• Antonyms: grassroots movement, public opposition

Verb:

• Definition: To try to influence the decisions of lawmakers or government officials, often by meeting with them or providing them with information.

• Synonyms: advocate for, pressure, push for

• Antonyms: oppose, resist, campaign against

Examples of Use

Real-World Examples of "Lobbying":

Newspapers:

• "The gun lobby is fiercely lobbying against the proposed assault weapons ban." (The New York Times)

Books:

• Upton Sinclair's classic novel The Jungle exposes the meatpacking industry's lobbying efforts to influence food safety regulations.

Online Publications:

• "[A public interest group] is lobbying Congress to pass stricter data privacy laws." (ProPublica)

Entertainment Mediums:

• In the TV series House of Cards, the ruthless politician Frank Underwood uses aggressive lobbying tactics to secure political favors.

Public Discourse:

• "At the town hall meeting, citizens voiced their concerns about the pharmaceutical industry lobbying for higher drug prices."

General Conversation:

• "Did you hear about the environmental groups lobbying for stricter regulations on fracking?"

10 Famous Quotes Using the term Lobbying

While there aren't many direct quotes using the word "lobbying," here are ten famous quotes that touch on the concept of lobbying and influence:

1. "The cynics complain that nothing is ever done and those who are most active in attempts to change the world become most disillusioned because they must constantly face the enormous complexity of the modern world with its conflicting interests, its inertia, and its baffling irrationality." - John F. Kennedy (This quote highlights the challenges of navigating powerful interests, often represented by lobbyists.)

2. "A government which obtains money from special interests is not a self-governing government." - James Madison (This quote emphasizes the concern of special interests influencing government decisions through funding.)

3. "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exert influence and not authority; still more when they possess both." - Lord Acton (This quote speaks to the potential for lobbying to lead to corruption when power becomes concentrated.)

4. "The process of lobbying needs to be opened up so that the American people know exactly who is trying to influence their elected officials." - John McCain (This quote advocates for transparency in lobbying efforts.)

5. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke (This quote highlights the importance of citizen participation as a counterpoint to lobbying by special interests.)

6. "One person with a belief is a powerful force to be reckoned with." - Emma Watson (This quote emphasizes the power of grassroots movements as a potential counterweight to lobbying.)

7. "Dissent is the safety valve of a democracy." - Pierre Trudeau (This quote highlights the importance of allowing opposing voices to be heard, which can be stifled by powerful lobbying efforts.)

8. "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who watch it happen and do nothing." - Albert Einstein (Similar to Burke's quote, this emphasizes the importance of citizen action against potential negative influences of lobbying.)

9. "The ballot is stronger than the bullet." - Abraham Lincoln (This quote highlights the power of voting as a way for citizens to influence government decisions, contrasting it with the potential for lobbying to exert undue influence.)

10. "The price of liberty is eternal vigilance." - Thomas Jefferson (This quote emphasizes the ongoing need for citizens to be aware of and engaged in the political process, including being vigilant about the influence of lobbying.)
    

Etymology

The word "lobbying" comes from the idea of hanging around in hallways! Back in the 1500s, the word "lobby" just meant a hallway or waiting area connected to a larger room. In places like the British Parliament, these hallways were where lawmakers would chat and discuss things before and after meetings. Over time, people realized that this was a prime spot to catch a lawmaker's ear and try to influence their decisions. So, folks with special interests started hanging out in these lobbies to talk to lawmakers about their causes. That's how the word "lobbying" came to mean the act of trying to influence decisions, especially by lawmakers.

Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Lobbying

• Here are some phrases and idioms that use the word "lobbying":

  • Lobby for: This is the most common and straightforward phrase, simply meaning to advocate or push for something through lobbying efforts. (e.g., "The environmental group is lobbying for stricter regulations.")

  • Grassroots lobbying: This refers to lobbying efforts undertaken by everyday citizens, often at the local level, rather than by special interest groups.

  • Lobbying blitz: This describes a concentrated and intense period of lobbying activity, often aimed at influencing a specific piece of legislation.

  • Revolving door: This idiom refers to the phenomenon of people moving between government positions and lobbying jobs, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

  • In the pocket of: This idiom suggests that a politician is heavily influenced by a particular lobby group, implying they may prioritize the group's interests over the public good.

  • Play the lobbying game: This phrase describes the sometimes complex and strategic world of lobbying, where tactics and relationships play a key role.

  • Kill a bill through lobbying: This refers to using lobbying efforts to prevent a piece of legislation from being passed.

  Bonus:

  • Whistleblower: This isn't directly related to "lobbying" but is often associated with uncovering unethical practices within lobbying efforts. A whistleblower is someone who exposes wrongdoing within an organization.

Posts Related to Lobbying

Source Information

Definition of lobbying from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.