Grassroots
/ˈɡrɑːsˌruːts/
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to or denoting the most basic level of an activity or organization.
/ˈɡrɑːsˌruːts/
Originating from the common people.
The politician relied on grassroots support to win the election.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of neighbors getting together to fix a problem in their community. That's a grassroots effort! It's about starting small, with regular people, to make a big change.
👶 For kids: When something starts with regular people, like neighbors or friends, instead of important leaders, it's called grassroots.
More Examples
The organization is funded by grassroots donations.
We are working to build a grassroots movement for environmental change.
How It's Used
"The candidate launched a grassroots campaign to mobilize local support."
"The organization's success was attributed to its grassroots efforts to raise awareness."
The ordinary people in a society or an organization.
/ˈɡrɑːsˌruːts/
The people or society at a local level.
The candidate promised to listen to the grassroots.
💡 Simply: When we talk about the 'grassroots,' we're talking about the regular folks, the people on the ground. They are the foundation of a movement.
👶 For kids: The 'grassroots' are all the normal people, like you and your friends and neighbors!
More Examples
The organization's strength comes from the grassroots.
The campaign focused on mobilizing the grassroots.
How It's Used
"The party needed to connect with the grassroots to understand their concerns."
"The environmental group relied on grassroots involvement to organize protests."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
grassroots democracy
A form of democracy in which the people at the local level make decisions rather than electing representatives.
"The organization championed grassroots democracy by empowering local communities."
grassroots movement
A social or political movement that begins locally and is supported by the common people rather than the elites.
"The environmental group started as a small grassroots movement and grew into a global force."
Derived from the literal sense of roots in the grass, the term originally described a political movement or organization that originates from and is driven by ordinary people at the local level rather than by established leaders. It gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly in political and social movements.
The term has its roots in the 20th century. It became increasingly relevant in the mid-20th century during social and political movements.
Memory tip
Think of a plant's roots growing from the ground – this describes something that starts from the ground up, from the ordinary people.
Word Origin
"From the ground, representing the base or origin of something."