the basic level of society or of an organization especially as viewed in relation to higher or more centralized positions of power
Rural area of a country; (nickname for) average citizens, regular people (as opposed to elite or powerful ones); sources, origins (of an idea, plan or political movement)
the common people at a local level (as distinguished from the centers of political activity) the essential foundation or source; "the problem was attacked at the grass roots
the essential foundation or source; "the problem was attacked at the grass roots"
The grass roots of an organization or movement are the ordinary people who form the main part of it, rather than its leaders. You have to join the party at grass-roots level. the ordinary people in an organization, rather than the leaders roots
the common people at a local level (as distinguished from the centers of political activity)