In today's politicized society built on the media, many specialized terms are gradually entering everyday communication. An example of a concept that has descended to the philistine level is “agitation”. This word is often mentioned in connection with the upcoming elections, other legislative or social activity, but can also be used in a figurative sense.
Latin roots
Like many classical definitions, the subject under study came to the Russian language through German from Latin. The forerunner was the concept of agitare:
- set in motion;
- incite.
It, in turn, comes from the words "move" and "drive". When a speaker plans to campaign, it implies a desire to force the populace to accept some ideology or take some action.
21st century realities
The term has two meanings, and the first one can be observed during the election campaign, lobbying for any initiative. This is the activity that the synonyms outline:
- promote;
- persuade.
It doesn't matter if it's verbal or written. Thanks tomodern technologies can be implicitly agitated. What does it mean to distribute food, other assistance with a clear indication of the sponsor. Moreover, to do this in parallel or on the eve of elections among those who can influence the outcome of an important vote for the sponsor.
The state is trying to regulate the process, separating legitimate from questionable methods, in order to support competition and avoid corruption.
Conversational format
It is not necessary to fight for power or a chair in a cozy office if you want to arrange a little campaign. Activities can be related to completely abstract topics:
- animal rights;
- Separate garbage collection;
- renovation in the yard of an apartment building, etc.
Doing everything in your power to convince others of the usefulness of your idea is campaigning in all its glory! In a figurative sense and with ironic overtones, the term is used to tease an interlocutor who talks about something selflessly and with rapture. It is not necessary to try to convince in order to hear a capacious definition.
Appropriateness
On a formal basis, “agitate” means to conduct an information campaign. The word is neutral, although in recent years it has acquired a slight negative connotation due to society being fed up with scandalous revelations, intrigues, and investigations.
Please note that if you wish to participate in such a process,it is necessary to find out: which methods are legal, and what is directly prohibited and punishable by fines, criminal terms. At the everyday level, in the conversation of friends, the concept is devoid of seriousness, more often used in humorous phrases.
