root
root Lexical Profile
root Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically located underground, responsible for absorbing water and nourishment.
"The tree fell over during the storm because its roots were too shallow."
The basic cause, source, or origin of something.
"Lack of clear communication was the root of the conflict between the two departments."
The basic, uncompounded core of a word from which other words are derived, or a number that, when multiplied by itself a specified number of times, produces a given number.
"The linguistic root of the word 'audiology' comes from the Latin word for hearing."
• verb
To establish deeply and firmly (often used in the passive voice).
"Her dedication to public service is rooted in a deep sense of compassion."
American To actively cheer, encourage, or express support for a person, team, or cause (usually followed by 'for').
"The whole town is rooting for the local high school team to win the championship."
To turn up the earth with the snout in search of food (typically of a pig or similar animal), or to rummage through things thoroughly.
"I spent an hour rooting through the attic to find my old childhood journals."
Word Nuance & Usage
Depending on the dialect, 'root' and 'route' are often pronounced identically as homophones, which can occasionally cause confusion in spoken English. Context easily separates the botanical or fundamental meaning of 'root' from the directional path of a 'route'.
• Rhymes for root
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Late Old English 'rōt', borrowed from Old Norse 'rót', ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root '*wréh₂ds' meaning 'root' or 'branch'. The verb sense meaning 'to cheer' originated as American slang in the late 19th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.