the grass roots

the grass roots

The ordinary people in a group, as opposed to the leaders. Why shouldn't ordinary people take action? The grass roots of our society have been able to bring about major changes in the past.

See also: grass, root

the grass roots

COMMON The grass roots of an organization or movement are the ordinary people who form the main part of it, rather than its leaders. The revolution is actually coming from the grass roots and I think eventually the authorities will follow. This was a truly socialist party, ultimately controlled by its grass roots. Note: Grass-roots or grassroots can be used before a noun. The proposal is backed by grass-roots activists. The president won the election after a grassroots campaign. The leadership has become detached from what's going on at grassroots level.

See also: grass, root

the ˌgrass ˈroots

the ordinary people in an organization, for example a political party or trade union, and not the officials: The leaders of this union are losing contact with their members. They need to get back in touch with the grass roots. ▶ ˌgrass-ˈroots adj.: a grass-roots movement

See also: grass, root

grassroots

1. n. the common people, especially rural people. We really haven’t heard anything from the grassroots yet.

2. mod. having to do with or originating with the common people. A grassroots movement pushed Senator Del Monte toward the nomination.