Word
grassroots
Phoneticsgrass·roots, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹæsˈɹuts/
UK/ɡɹˈɑːsɹuːts/
Politics
Definition
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.
Examples
“The new park was built thanks to a grassroots campaign by local parents.”
“The candidate focused on grassroots organizing, meeting voters in their living rooms instead of buying expensive television advertisements.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; frequently pairs with 'movement', 'campaign', or 'support'.
Real-World Examples
“While that alcohol boycott has been put in place by political leaders, there are also grassroots decisions by many Canadians that have hurt their neighbour's economy - such as avoiding travel to the US.” “These grassroots initiatives are seen as vital for building public trust in the public health sector.” “Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen the arrival of boutique publishers, set up by successful studios, and designed to support grassroots talent.” Etymology
From grass + roots.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/grassroots