Meaning
A movement organized and supported by ordinary people rather than leaders, institutions, or large organizations.
イディオム
a grassroots movement
指導者や大組織ではなく、一般の人々が中心となって起こし、支える運動。
politicscommonintermediate
Origin
“Grassroots” uses the image of roots spreading at ground level, suggesting support that arises from ordinary people at the local level rather than from the top.
Examples
The campaign began as a grassroots movement led by local residents.
その運動は、地元住民が主導する草の根運動として始まった。
It grew from a small grassroots movement into a national cause.
それは小さな草の根運動から全国的な大義へと成長した。
A grassroots movement pushed the city to improve public transport.
草の根運動が市に公共交通の改善を求めた。
The policy change followed months of pressure from a grassroots movement.
その政策変更は、草の根運動による数か月の働きかけの後に実現した。
They are building a grassroots movement to protect the local river.
彼らは地元の川を守るための草の根運動を築いている。
Notes (English)
Often used in politics, community action, and advocacy. It emphasizes bottom-up participation and local support, though groups may later gain formal organizational backing.
Grammar & Usage Notes (English)
Usually used as a countable noun phrase with an article or determiner: “a/the grassroots movement.” “Grassroots” normally stays unchanged before “movement.”
類義語・近い表現
a bottom-up movement, a people-powered movement, a community-led movement
反義語
a top-down initiative