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campaign

kam-PAYN /kæmˈpeɪn/

nounverbB1SATTOEFLIELTS

generalformal

A planned series of organized activities designed to achieve a specific political, social, or commercial goal.

Implies a structured, strategic effort over time rather than a single isolated action.

The story behind the word. From French 'campagne' and Italian 'campagna', stemming from Latin 'campus' (open field). It originally referred to the military season when armies took to the open field for battles each spring.

Word relationships

drive: 'Drive' often refers to an intense, short-term effort (like a blood drive), whereas 'campaign' suggests broader political or strategic planning.
crusade: 'Crusade' conveys strong moral or emotional fervor, whereas 'campaign' is more neutral and structured.

inactivity: 'Inactivity' represents the complete absence of organized effort.

Commonly confused with

champagne: 'Champagne' is a sparkling white wine, while 'campaign' is an organized strategy or operation.

Word family

campaigner (noun): A person who actively participates in a campaign.
campaigning (noun): The act of participating in an organized political campaign.

Collocations

launch a campaign
presidential campaign
campaign promise
run a campaign

Idioms & expressions

on the campaign trail

Example sentences

"Her campaign focused on improving cafeteria menu options and expanding library hours." Student council election
"The student coalition launched a semester-long campaign to reduce textbook prices across campus." Published history of student activism

Memory hook

Think of soldiers setting up tents on a field (campus) to plan their winning battle strategy. Field strategy turned election strategy.

When not to use

Do not use for routine daily activities or unorganized, spontaneous efforts.

Fun facts

In the 1800s, political candidates literally traveled into rural fields to give speeches from wooden stumps, giving rise to the phrase 'stump speech'.