lobi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal (political context), Neutral (architectural context), Informal (gaming context)
Quick answer
What does “lobi” mean?
a room near the entrance of a building used as a waiting area.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a room near the entrance of a building used as a waiting area; to try to influence politicians or officials on an issue.
A group of people seeking to influence legislators (e.g., the gun lobby). Also, in online gaming, a waiting area before a match starts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The verb 'lobby' is equally common in political contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
In political contexts, can have a slightly negative connotation implying undue pressure, especially with 'special interest lobby'.
Frequency
High frequency in political/journalistic discourse; medium frequency in general architectural context.
Grammar
How to Use “lobi” in a Sentence
lobby [someone] (for/against something)lobby for [something]lobby against [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lobi” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Charities lobbied MPs to support the bill.
- We need to lobby for better cycling infrastructure.
American English
- The industry lobbied Congress against the regulations.
- They're lobbying hard for the candidate.
adjective
British English
- The lobby group was very effective.
- She has considerable lobby power.
American English
- Lobbying expenses are closely monitored.
- The lobby effort failed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Meeting clients in the hotel lobby. Companies lobby the government for tax breaks.
Academic
Examining the role of environmental lobbies in policy formation.
Everyday
Wait for me in the lobby. Residents lobbied the council for a new park.
Technical
In multiplayer games, players join a lobby before matchmaking.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lobi”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lobi”
- Using 'lobby' as a countable noun for a person (incorrect: He is a lobby. Correct: He is a lobbyist).
- Misspelling as 'loby'.
- Using the wrong preposition (lobby to someone -> lobby someone).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently. It is a neutral term for advocacy. It can become negative with modifiers like 'sinister lobby', 'special interest lobby', implying secretive or unfair influence.
'Lobby' is the activity or the group; a 'lobbyist' is the individual person whose job is to lobby.
Yes. Its original meaning is an architectural space (a building's entrance hall). It's also common in gaming for a virtual waiting area.
Yes. When adding -ing to the verb 'lobby', you keep the 'y' and add -ing (lobbying). The same rule applies for -ed (lobbied).
a room near the entrance of a building used as a waiting area.
Lobi is usually formal (political context), neutral (architectural context), informal (gaming context) in register.
Lobi: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒbi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑːbi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lobby fodder (BrE, derogatory for MPs who just vote as told)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a busy hotel LOBBY where people LOBBY (influence) each other for a better room.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS A BUILDING (access is gained in the lobby); INFLUENCE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (to lobby is to apply pressure).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'lobby' in a political context?