grass-roots

UK: ˈɡrɑːsˌruːts | US: ˈɡræsˌruːts

Definition

  1. adj. relating to or involving ordinary people, especially as contrasted with elites or institutions

  2. adj. originating from the basic level of an organization or community

  3. n. (often plural) the fundamental level of a society or organization

Structure
grass <ground-level vegetation>roots <foundational part>
Etymology

The term "grass-roots" emerged in early 20th-century American English, combining two concrete natural metaphors:

  1. "Grass" symbolizes the common ground where ordinary people live and work.
  2. "Roots" represent the foundational, often invisible support system of plants – paralleling how grassroots movements grow from collective local action.
    Originally used in mining (referring to literal soil layers), it evolved into political terminology by the 1910s to describe bottom-up activism. The hyphen preserves the visual metaphor of two distinct but interconnected natural elements.
Examples

  1. The campaign succeeded through grassroots organizing in local communities.

  2. Grass-roots initiatives often address needs overlooked by governments.

  3. She prefers grassroots journalism that highlights ordinary citizens' stories.

  4. The movement started as a grassroots effort before gaining national attention.

  5. Sustainable change requires both policy reforms and grassroots participation.