grassroots
Translation
grassroots, rank and file, ordinary people
Examples
The campaign started at the grassroots level.
The campaign started at the grassroots level.
Support for the party came from the grassroots.
Support for the party came from the grassroots.
Grammar Patterns
((the)) grassroots the ordinary people in a society or organization Support for the party came from the grassroots.
((at the)) grassroots level at the most basic level The campaign started at the grassroots level.
Similar Words
Synonyms: rank and file, ordinary people; Antonyms: elite, leadership
Etymology
From 'grass' + 'roots', a metaphor for the fundamental, basic level of an organization or society, not the leaders.
Memory Tips
Imagine a movement growing from the ground up, starting with the 'roots' of society—the ordinary people.