grassroots — ordinary people regarded as the main body of an organization's membership
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: ordinary people regarded as the main body of an organization's membership
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɡræsruːts/
Example Sentences
- The celebrity tried to start a grassroots movement, but everyone could smell the expensive perfume from her private jet.
- The grassroots campaign succeeded in changing the local education policy.
- True grassroots activism starts with neighbors talking over the fence, not influencers posting from Starbucks.
grassroots
NOUN[/ˈɡræsruːts/]
ordinary people regarded as the main body of an organization's membership
ordinary people regarded as the main body of an organization's membership
When grassroots replace the substitutes, real attributes shine through!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A compound word formed in American English in the early 20th century, combining 'grass' (the plant) and 'roots' (the underground part of a plant). It metaphorically refers to ordinary people at the base level of society or organizations, as opposed to leadership or elites.
Breakdown
grass (the plant) + roots (underground plant parts) = grassroots (ordinary people at the foundational level)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The celebrity tried to start a grassroots movement, but everyone could smell the expensive perfume from her private jet.”
“The grassroots campaign succeeded in changing the local education policy.”
“True grassroots activism starts with neighbors talking over the fence, not influencers posting from Starbucks.”
“The senator claimed to represent grassroots values despite living in a mansion.”
📚Related Words
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