grassroots

[gras-roots, -roots, grahs-]

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. the common or ordinary people, especially as contrasted with the leadership or elite of a political party, social organization, etc.; the rank and file.

2. the agricultural and rural areas of a country.

3. the people inhabiting these areas, especially as a political, social, or economic group.

4. the origin or basis of something; the basic or primary concept, rule, part, or the like.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or involving the common people, especially as contrasted with or separable from an elite.

   a grassroots movement for nuclear disarmament.

Word History and Origins

Origin of grassroots¹

1910–15 grassroots for def. 1

Example Sentences

“She would use all these lessons,” Ms. Rinehart writes, “to build a grassroots machine unlike any Montana had ever seen.”

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Despite the problems at elite level, grassroots level basketball is thriving.

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Rather, the momentum is coming from a grassroots base of parents, educators and mental-health advocates.

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One of these organizations is the Save America Movement, which runs the Liberty Vans and includes a bipartisan leadership that is far more politically connected than that of many grassroots organizations.

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“I was shocked. The concept of resilience in Jenin, it’s really important to people. Where are the fighters, the Palestinian Authority, grassroots organization, the local leaders?”

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