Root
/ruːt/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe part of a plant that is usually underground, which holds the plant in place and absorbs water and nutrients from the soil.
/ruːt/
The part of a plant that grows underground
The roots of the tree spread far underground.
💡 Simply: Imagine a plant like a carrot or a tree. The *root* is the part that grows underground. It's like the plant's hands, grabbing water and yummy food from the soil so it can grow big and strong!
👶 For kids: The part of a plant that grows underground, like a tree's feet!
More Examples
We harvested the roots of the carrots.
The plant’s roots need water to survive.
How It's Used
"The roots of the oak tree extended deep into the soil."
"Farmers regularly check the roots of their crops for disease."
The fundamental cause, source, or basis of something.
/ruːt/
The source or origin of something.
The roots of the conflict can be traced back to a misunderstanding.
💡 Simply: When something has a problem, the *root* is like the beginning of the problem. It's where the problem started or where it comes from. Like the *root* of a tree that you can't see above ground, the *root* of a problem is often hidden.
👶 For kids: Where something starts or comes from, like where a problem or family starts.
More Examples
We need to address the root causes of poverty.
Her research explored the roots of modern art.
How It's Used
"The roots of the problem lie in the economic policies of the past."
"She traced her family roots back to the 17th century."
To establish firmly or deeply; to cause to take root.
/ruːt/
To establish deeply, or to cause something to originate
She rooted herself in the community.
💡 Simply: To *root* something means to make it grow well or start. For example, you can *root* a plant by planting it and giving it water and sunlight, making it grow. Or you can *root* a habit by starting to do it often.
👶 For kids: To help something grow or get started, like a plant's roots.
More Examples
The new policies aim to root out corruption.
The company wants to root its operations in the local market.
How It's Used
"The values of integrity were rooted in her upbringing."
"The gardener rooted the cuttings in a greenhouse."
To support or cheer for a team or person.
/ruːt/
To cheer on a team
We were rooting for our local team.
💡 Simply: To *root* for someone means to support them and hope they do well, like when you're cheering for your favorite sports team.
👶 For kids: To cheer for someone or a team to win!
More Examples
The crowd was rooting loudly for the home team.
Everyone was rooting for her to win the competition.
How It's Used
"The fans were rooting for their team to win."
"We were all rooting for the underdog."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
take root
To become established and develop.
"The new ideas took root quickly in the company."
root and branch
Completely; thoroughly; totally.
"The government decided to reform the system root and branch."
From Old Norse *rót* (cognate with Old English *rot* 'root'), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *wrōtō*, from Proto-Indo-European *wréh₂dʰ- 'root'.
The word 'root' has been used in English since before the 12th century, evolving from Old Norse. It appears frequently in both agricultural and metaphorical contexts throughout literature.
Memory tip
Think of a tree's *root* as its hidden anchor.
Word Origin
"Source, base, or foundation"