VocabDictionary

grassroots

/ˈɡræs.ruːts/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The most basic level of an organization or activity, especially the ordinary people in a society or political group rather than the leadership.

Example Sentences:
  • The candidate decided to focus her campaign on grassroots support rather than relying on corporate donations.
  • The movement began at the grassroots level, with local volunteers organizing neighborhood meetings.
2.adjective

Involving or relating to the ordinary people in a society or organization, rather than the leaders or elite.

Example Sentences:
  • There is a growing grassroots effort to improve recycling programs in our city.
  • The company implemented a grassroots strategy to gather feedback directly from its frontline employees.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “grassroots”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The term originated in the United States in the early 20th century, specifically appearing in political contexts around 1912. It is a metaphorical compound of 'grass' and 'roots,' suggesting that a movement or organization is built from the ground up, like grass growing from its roots, rather than being imposed by elite or centralized leadership.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a plant: the 'roots' are at the very bottom, just like the ordinary people who form the foundation of a movement.

Frequently Asked Questions About “grassroots

1. What is the meaning of “grassroots” in English?

In English, grassroots (noun) is defined as: “The most basic level of an organization or activity, especially the ordinary people in a society or political group rather than the leadership.”.

2. How do you use “grassroots” in a sentence?

The candidate decided to focus her campaign on grassroots support rather than relying on corporate donations.

3. What are English synonyms of “grassroots”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “grassroots”?

The term originated in the United States in the early 20th century, specifically appearing in political contexts around 1912. It is a metaphorical compound of 'grass' and 'roots,' suggesting that a movement or organization is built from the ground up, like grass growing from its roots, rather than being imposed by elite or centralized leadership.