ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grassroots

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɡɹæsˈɹuts// UK //ɡɹˈɑːsɹuːts// grass·roots

adj. describing a movement or group that starts with ordinary people rather than leaders or politicians. It is about change that grows from the bottom up.

adj. relating to or involving the ordinary people in a society or an organization as a point of origin for political or social action. Often used to describe movements that arise organically from a local community rather than being directed by a central authority.


SIMPLE

The new park was built thanks to a grassroots campaign by local parents.

CONTEXTUAL

The candidate focused on grassroots organizing, meeting voters in their living rooms instead of buying expensive television advertisements.

COMPLEX

While the policy change appeared to be a top-down directive, it was actually the culmination of years of grassroots advocacy by environmental groups across the country.

Origin

From grass + roots.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; frequently pairs with 'movement', 'campaign', or 'support'.

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