of or involving the common people as constituting a fundamental political and economic group
"a grassroots movement for nuclear disarmament"
Of, or relating to people or society at the local level, particularly in politics, social movements, etc.; of the grass roots.
"The grassroots activists organized neighborhood meetings to support the new community center proposal."
In plain English: Grassroots means starting an idea from ordinary people at the bottom level rather than from powerful leaders or big organizations.
"The grassroots organization grew quickly after local residents organized their own meetings."
Usage: Use grassroots as an adjective before nouns like support or movement to describe actions originating from ordinary citizens rather than leaders. This term specifically contrasts with top-down initiatives driven by authorities or established organizations.
The term combines the words "grass" and "roots," which were joined to describe ordinary people at the base of a political movement rather than its leaders. This phrase entered English as a metaphor for popular support originating from the lowest levels of society.