root
English meaning: Root
Definition
The part of a plant that grows underground and takes in water and food from the soil.
Example
“The tree's deep roots spread far underground, anchoring it firmly against the strongest storms.”
Another example: “The detective was determined to get to the root of the mystery.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common noun for a plant part, and very frequently figurative: the cause or origin of something ('the root of the problem'), family origins ('roots'), or a mathematical/grammatical term. The verb means to fix firmly or to search.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'rot', from Old Norse 'rot'.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- take root
- root of the problem
- square root
- put down roots
- grass roots
Word Forms
root (n, pl. roots); root (v); rooted (adj)
Word Tools
Tools & Calculators
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
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