- the common or ordinary people, especially as contrasted with the leadership or elite of a political party, social organization, etc.; the rank and file.
- the agricultural and rural areas of a country.
- the people inhabiting these areas, especially as a political, social, or economic group.
- the origin or basis of something; the basic or primary concept, rule, part, or the like.
- of, relating to, or involving the common people, especially as contrasted with or separable from an elite: a grassroots movement for nuclear disarmament.
- the ordinary people as distinct from the active leadership of a party or organization: used esp of the rank-and-file members of a political party, or of the voters themselves
- (as modifier)
- the origin or essentials
