Lobby vs. Solicit — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 17, 2024
Lobby refers to attempting to influence decisions made by officials, often in a political context, while solicit means to ask for or try to obtain something, such as donations or business, from others.
Difference Between Lobby and Solicit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lobby involves efforts to influence public officials or lawmakers to support or oppose specific legislation or policies. This is often done by lobbyists who represent interest groups, companies, or other entities. Solicit, on the other hand, means to request or seek something from someone. This can be done in various contexts, such as soliciting donations, business, or votes. Solicitation can be direct or indirect and is not limited to the political sphere. It generally involves asking for something directly, whether it's money, support, or participation.
While lobbying is specifically aimed at influencing governmental decisions and policies, solicitation is broader and encompasses any act of asking for something from others. Lobbying often requires knowledge of the political process and connections with decision-makers, whereas solicitation can occur in everyday situations without such requirements.
Lobbying activities are often regulated by laws and require registration and disclosure to ensure transparency, especially in political contexts. Solicitation, however, while it can be regulated (such as rules against solicitation in certain public spaces), typically does not involve the same level of legal scrutiny or formal procedures.
Lobbying is a form of advocacy directed towards influencing policy or decision-making, whereas solicitation is a general term for requesting or seeking something from others.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Attempting to influence decisions by officials
Requesting or seeking something from others
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Context
Political, governmental
General, various contexts
Activities
Meetings, calls, providing information
Asking for donations, business, votes
Regulation
Often heavily regulated, requiring disclosure
May be regulated, but generally less formal
Objective
Influence policy or decision-making
Obtain something specific, like money or support
Professional Involvement
Typically involves professional lobbyists
Can involve anyone requesting something
Compare with Definitions
Lobby
Advocate for specific policies or regulations.
Environmental groups lobby for stricter pollution controls.
Solicit
Appeal for contributions or help.
They solicit funding to launch the new initiative.
Lobby
Attempt to influence public officials or lawmakers.
The company hired a team to lobby for favorable tax legislation.
Solicit
Request or seek something from someone.
They solicit donations for the charity event.
Lobby
Act of seeking to affect policy outcomes.
The organization lobbies for changes in education funding.
Solicit
Attempt to obtain something through direct request.
The candidate solicits votes by knocking on doors.
Lobby
Engage in activities aimed at persuading decision-makers.
They lobby local government to improve public transportation.
Solicit
To seek to obtain by persuasion, entreaty, or formal application
A candidate who solicited votes among the factory workers.
Lobby
Provide information and arguments to officials.
Lobbyists presented data to lobby for the new healthcare bill.
Solicit
To petition persistently; importune
Solicited the neighbors for donations.
Lobby
A hall, foyer, or waiting room at or near the entrance to a building, such as a hotel or theater.
Solicit
To commit the criminal offense of enticing or inciting (another) to commit an illegal act.
Lobby
A public room next to the assembly chamber of a legislative body.
Solicit
To approach or accost (a person) with an offer of sex in exchange for payment.
Lobby
A group of persons engaged in trying to influence legislators or other public officials in favor of a specific cause
The banking lobby.
The labor lobby.
Solicit
To make solicitation or petition for something desired.
Lobby
To try to influence the thinking of legislators or other public officials for or against a specific cause
Lobbying for stronger environmental safeguards.
Lobbied against the proliferation of nuclear arms.
Solicit
To approach or accost someone with an offer of sex in exchange for payment.
Lobby
To try to influence public officials on behalf of or against (proposed legislation, for example)
Lobbied the bill through Congress.
Lobbied the bill to a negative vote.
Solicit
To persistently endeavor to obtain an object, or bring about an event.
To solicit alms, or a favour
Lobby
To try to influence (an official) to take a desired action.
Solicit
To woo; to court.
Lobby
An entryway or reception area; vestibule; passageway; corridor.
I had to wait in the lobby for hours before seeing the doctor.
Solicit
To persuade or incite one to commit some act, especially illegal or sexual behavior.
If you want to lose your virginity, you should try to solicit some fine looking women.
Lobby
That part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the official use of the assembly.
Solicit
To offer to perform sexual activity, especially when for a payment.
My girlfriend tried to solicit me for sex, but I was tired.
Lobby
(politics) A class or group of interested people who try to influence public officials; collectively, lobbyists.
The influence of the tobacco lobby has decreased considerably in the US.
Solicit
To make a petition.
Lobby
(video games) A virtual area where players can chat and find opponents for a game.
Solicit
(archaic) To disturb or trouble; to harass.
Lobby
(nautical) An apartment or passageway in the fore part of an old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-deck.
Solicit
To urge the claims of; to plead; to act as solicitor for or with reference to.
Lobby
A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges, trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard.
Solicit
To disturb; to disquiet.
Lobby
A margin along either side of the playing field in the sport of kabaddi.
Solicit
(archaic) solicitation
Lobby
(when preceded by "elevator") A waiting area in front of a bank of elevators.
Solicit
To ask from with earnestness; to make petition to; to apply to for obtaining something; as, to solicit person for alms.
Did I solicit theeFrom darkness to promote me?
Lobby
(West Midlands) lobscouse
My mam cooked us lobby for tea last night.
Solicit
To endeavor to obtain; to seek; to plead for; as, to solicit an office; to solicit a favor.
I view my crime, but kindle at the view,Repent old pleasures, and solicit new.
Lobby
To attempt to influence (a public official or decision-maker) in favor of a specific opinion or cause.
For years, pro-life groups have continued to lobby hard for restrictions on abortion.
Solicit
To awake or excite to action; to rouse desire in; to summon; to appeal to; to invite.
That fruit . . . solicited her longing eye.
Sounds and some tangible qualities solicit their proper senses, and force an entrance to the mind.
Lobby
A passage or hall of communication, especially when large enough to serve also as a waiting room. It differs from an antechamber in that a lobby communicates between several rooms, an antechamber to one only; but this distinction is not carefully preserved.
Solicit
To urge the claims of; to plead; to act as solicitor for or with reference to.
ShouldMy brother henceforth study to forgetThe vow that he hath made thee, I would everSolicit thy deserts.
Lobby
That part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the official use of the assembly; hence, the persons, collectively, who frequent such a place to transact business with the legislators;
Solicit
To disturb; to disquiet; - a Latinism rarely used.
Hath any ill solicited thine ears?
But anxious fears solicit my weak breast.
Lobby
An apartment or passageway in the fore part of an old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-deck.
Solicit
Make a solicitation or entreaty for something; request urgently or persistently;
Henry IV solicited the Pope for a divorce
My neighbor keeps soliciting money for different charities
Lobby
A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges. trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard.
Solicit
Make amorous advances towards;
John is courting Mary
Lobby
To address or solicit members of a legislative body in the lobby or elsewhere, with the purpose to influence their votes; in an extended sense, to try to influence decision-makers in any circumstance.
Solicit
Approach with an offer of sexual favors;
He was solicited by a prostitute
The young man was caught soliciting in the park
Lobby
To urge the adoption or passage of by soliciting members of a legislative body; as, to lobby a bill; - also used with the legislators as object; as, to lobby the state legislatuire for protection.
Solicit
Incite, move, or persuade to some act of lawlessness or insubordination;
He was accused of soliciting his colleagues to destroy the documents
Lobby
A large entrance or reception room or area
Solicit
Make a solicitation or petition for something desired;
She is too shy to solicit
Lobby
A group of people who try actively to influence legislation
Solicit
Ask for business or support.
The salesperson solicited orders from potential clients.
Lobby
Detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors
Solicit
Seek assistance or participation.
Volunteers are solicited to help with the community project.
Common Curiosities
What is lobbying?
Lobbying is the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials, particularly in the government.
What is soliciting?
Soliciting is the act of asking for or trying to obtain something from others, such as donations or business.
How is lobbying different from soliciting?
Lobbying specifically aims to influence policy or decision-making, whereas soliciting involves requesting something from others in various contexts.
Is lobbying regulated?
Yes, lobbying is often regulated and requires registration and disclosure, especially in political contexts.
What activities are involved in lobbying?
Lobbying activities include meetings with officials, phone calls, providing information, and advocating for specific policies.
Is soliciting regulated?
Soliciting can be regulated, such as rules against solicitation in certain areas, but it generally involves less formal regulation than lobbying.
Does lobbying always involve politics?
Yes, lobbying usually involves political or governmental contexts aimed at influencing legislation or policy.
Can anyone lobby?
While anyone can lobby, it typically involves professional lobbyists who have expertise in influencing policy and decision-making.
Can anyone solicit?
Yes, anyone can solicit something from others, such as donations, business, or support.
What activities are involved in soliciting?
Soliciting activities include making requests, asking for donations, seeking business, and appealing for support.
Is lobbying done by individuals or organizations?
Lobbying is often conducted by organizations, interest groups, or companies through professional lobbyists.
Is soliciting done by individuals or organizations?
Soliciting can be done by both individuals and organizations, depending on the context.
Does soliciting always involve money?
No, soliciting can involve requesting various things, such as support, votes, participation, or business.
What is the main goal of lobbying?
The main goal of lobbying is to influence policy or decision-making in favor of specific interests.
What is the main goal of soliciting?
The main goal of soliciting is to obtain something specific, such as money, support, or business, from others.
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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.
Co-written by
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.
