Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific area of focus or concern for an individual or group: A "special interest" refers to a particular subject, activity, or sector that a person or organization is particularly passionate about, knowledgeable in, or invested in.
   • A group lobbying for a specific cause: In politics and economics, a "special interest" is an organized group that seeks to influence government policy, legislation, or regulation to benefit its own specific concerns or sector of the economy.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Her special interest is marine biology, so she volunteers at the aquarium. (This shows a personal area of focused passion.)
  • The new tax bill was heavily influenced by powerful special interests from the manufacturing sector. (This shows a group attempting to influence policy.)
  • The senator was accused of writing legislation to cater to a special interest rather than the public good.

Advanced Usage

• "Special interest group (SIG)": A formal organization that advocates for a specific cause or issue.
  • The environmental special interest group lobbied for stricter emissions standards.
• "Special interest politics": Political activity characterized by the influence of such groups.
  • Many voters are frustrated by what they see as special interest politics in Washington.

Variants and Related Words

• Special-interest (adjective, often hyphenated): Pertaining to or characteristic of a special interest.
  • The article discussed special-interest lobbying.
• Specialist (noun): An expert in a specific, narrow field, which can be related to a personal "special interest."
• Lobby (verb/noun): The act of attempting to influence legislators, which is the primary activity of a political "special interest."

Synonyms

• Lobby: A group seeking to influence legislators.
• Pressure group: An organized group that seeks to influence government policy.
• Advocacy group: A group that argues for a particular cause or issue.
• Pet cause: (For a personal interest) A particular issue someone champions.

Related Phrases

• To have a special interest in: To be particularly concerned with or knowledgeable about a subject.
  • He has a special interest in constitutional law.
• Special interest legislation: Laws perceived to be designed to benefit a specific group rather than the general population.
  • Critics denounced the subsidy as pure special interest legislation.

Related Idioms

• To be in the pocket of special interests: To be unduly influenced or controlled by lobbying groups.
  • The candidate vowed he would not be in the pocket of special interests.

Noun

1. an individual or group who are concerned with some particular part of the economy and who try to influence legislators or bureaucrats to act in their favor