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Bully Pulpit for Dummies

noun

What does Bully Pulpit really mean?

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In easy, simple words, a "Bully Pulpit" is a phrase used to describe the power and influence a person holds when they are in a position of authority or leadership. Let me break it down for you using a conversational style so that it becomes crystal clear.

Imagine you are playing a game with your friends, and there is one friend who always seems to be in charge. This friend's opinion carries a lot of weight, and everyone listens when they speak. It's like they have a special influence over the group, right? Well, that's kind of what a "Bully Pulpit" is but in a more official setting.

Now, let's dive a bit deeper. Imagine you are the class monitor, and the teacher has given you the responsibility of making sure that everyone behaves well and follows the rules. In this position, you have the power to address the entire class, whether it's to remind them of the homework or to remind them to raise their hand before speaking. Your voice carries more weight in the classroom because of the authority given to you by the teacher, right? That is also similar to a "Bully Pulpit."

The term "Bully" in this context doesn't mean someone who is mean or picks on others, but rather it means someone who is strong and influential. It comes from an old meaning of the word "bully," which used to mean "excellent" or "first-rate." The term "pulpit" refers to a raised platform, often found in churches, where a person stands to speak to a congregation. So, when we combine the words, we get the idea of someone who has a powerful platform to speak from.

Now, to sum it up, a "Bully Pulpit" means having a position of authority or leadership that allows you to have a strong and influential voice, where what you say carries a lot of weight. It's like having a megaphone in a crowded room, and when you speak, people pay attention!


Revised and Fact checked by Michael Rodriguez on 2023-10-28 09:51:06

Bully Pulpit In a sentece

Learn how to use Bully Pulpit inside a sentece

  • During the school assembly, the principal used the bully pulpit to talk about the importance of kindness and respect.
  • The president of a country often uses the bully pulpit to address the nation and share important information.
  • In the courtroom, the judge has a bully pulpit where they can deliver decisions and explain the reasoning behind them.
  • During a team meeting, the coach used the bully pulpit to motivate the players and inspire them to give their best performance.
  • A popular celebrity can use their social media platform as a bully pulpit to raise awareness about important social issues.

Bully Pulpit Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

public office