WordGarden.ioroot
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈuːt/
US
- /ˈrut/
Meanings
Noun
the part of a plant that anchors it and takes in water and nutrients
the source, origin, or basic cause of something
a number that satisfies an equation or yields a given value in a radical expression
More meaningsFewer meanings
administrator-level access or the top-level base of a computer system or file hierarchy
Verb
to support or cheer for someone, especially a team or contestant
to search around by poking through things roughly or noisily
Beyond the definition
Imagine a mighty tree. What holds it steady, and what helps it live? Its roots. From there, the word grows into other meanings. The root of something can be its origin, the place it comes from, or the deepest cause behind it. In language, a root is the basic part of a word that gives it meaning. People also talk about their family roots, meaning the place, culture, or people they come from. And as a verb, "root" can mean to cheer for someone, as in "We root for the home team." It can even mean the part of a tooth hidden under the gums.
The word "root" is surprisingly versatile. At its core, it refers to the part of a plant that anchors it in the ground and draws nourishment—the very foundation of life for many organisms. From this literal meaning spring several figurative ones.
Think about your family roots—these are your ancestors and the places you come from. Or consider the root cause of a problem, which is the fundamental reason why something is happening. In language, a root word is the basic part of a word that carries its primary meaning; prefixes and suffixes are added to it to create new words (like "uproot" or "rootless").
But "root" doesn't stop there! It can also be a verb meaning to cheer for someone ("We'll root for you!") or to search diligently ("She rooted through the attic looking for old photos"). And don't forget about mathematical roots—the solutions to equations. Even teeth have roots, anchoring them in your jaw!
So, from the hidden depths of plants and language to enthusiastic support and foundational origins, "root" is a word that speaks to beginnings, foundations, and deep connections. It's a reminder that everything has an origin, something that grounds it and allows it to grow.
Examples
- 1
Plant anatomy
The plant died because its roots were too shallow.
- 2
Physical damage
Tree roots cracked the old stone path.
- 3
Mathematics
The square root of 81 is 9.
- 4
Problem solving
We need to get to the root of the problem.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Basic cause
At root, their argument was about money.
- Phraseat root
basically, in the most important way
- 6
Family background
She wants her children to understand their roots.
- 7
Settling down
After moving around for years, they finally put down roots in one place.
- Phraseput down roots
start building a stable life somewhere
- 8
Cause and origin
His fear of failure is rooted in childhood experience.
- Patternbe rooted in + source
come from, or be strongly based on it
- 9
Becoming established
The idea took root quickly among younger voters.
- Phrasetake root
begin to grow or become established
- 10
Support
We were all rooting for the underdog.
- Usageroot for
support and hope someone wins, especially in American English
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- rootnounverbadjective
Forms
- rootspluralnounverbadjective
- rootedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- rooting-ing formverbnounadjective