Politics
Definitions and Samples
1. advocate v. To speak out in favor of something
Some environmentalists advocate removing large dams from the
Columbia River.
Usage tips Advocate is usually followed by a term for a process or
action, very often the -ing form of a verb
Parts of speech advocate n, advocacy n
2. authority n. The power to make decisions, to tell others what to do.
The governor has the authority to call the legislature together for
emergency sessions.
Usage tips A to phrase often follows authority.
Parts of speech authorize v, authoritative adj
3. bitterly adv. Strongly and with a lot of bad feelings
Senator Thomas bitterly opposed the movement to design a new
state flag.
Parts of speech bitterness n, bitter adj
4. candidate n. Someone who wants to be chosen, especially in an election,
for a position
In most U.S. elections, there are only two major-party candidates for
president.
Usage tips Candidate is often followed by a for phrase.
Parts of speech candidacy n
5. coalition n. A group of several different groups or countries that are
working together to achieve a certain goal.
Several local churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples formed
a coalition to promote understanding among people of different
religions.
6. contest v. To challenge
Dave Roper, who narrowly lost the mayor’s race, contested the results,
demanding a recount of the votes.
Usage tips The noun contest can mean a game, especially one played
for a prize.
Parts of speech contest n
7. election n. A process in which people choose officials
Because of problems with vote-counting four years ago, international
observers monitored this year’s election to make sure it
was fair.
Parts of speech elect v, elective adj
8. inaugurate v. To bring into public office; to start formally
The U.S. president is elected in November but is not inaugurated
until the following January.
An effort to bring electric service to farms and small towns was
inaugurated with the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
Usage tips When it means “bring into public office,” inaugurate is
usually in the passive voice.
Parts of speech inauguration n, inaugural adj
9. policy n. An approved way for approaching a certain kind of situation
The policy said that government money could not be given to any
private hospital.
10. poll v. To find out a small group’s opinion so that you can guess what
a much larger group thinks
The newspaper polled 500 registered voters and found that only 27
percent were in favor of expanding the city zoo.
Parts of speech poll n, pollster n