Word
rooted
Phoneticsroot·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹutəd/
UK/ɹˈuːtɪd/
Definitions
01unable to move
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. unable to move from a spot because of a strong feeling like fear or shock.
adj. fixed in one position; rendered immobile by a powerful emotion or physical constraint.
“She stood rooted to the spot when she saw the bear in the garden.”
“He remained rooted to the floor in disbelief, unable to process the news that his entire department had been dissolved overnight.”
02deeply connected
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having a strong or basic connection to a place, culture, or idea.
adj. having a fundamental connection or origin; based or originating from a specific source.
“His music is deeply rooted in the traditions of his home country.”
“The conflict is rooted in centuries of territorial disputes that modern diplomacy has struggled to resolve.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03broken or in trouble
C1 · Advanced Slang · British English · Dialect
adj. completely broken, ruined, or in a very bad situation.
adj. describing something that is non-functional, damaged beyond repair, or a person in a state of significant trouble.
“I dropped my phone in the lake and now it is completely rooted.”
“The engine is absolutely rooted, and the mechanic says it will cost more to fix than the car is worth.”
Usage
Common in Australian and New Zealand English to mean 'broken'.
Teaching tip
This term can be considered vulgar in some contexts; learners should use it with caution as it carries a strong tone of frustration.
Antonyms
04having administrative access
C1 · Advanced Computing Technical
adj. describing a device where the user has gained full control over the system software.
adj. pertaining to a device, especially a smartphone, where the root directory has been made accessible to the user to bypass manufacturer restrictions.
“He used a rooted phone to run apps that the manufacturer usually blocks.”
“While a rooted device offers greater customisation, it often voids the warranty and leaves the operating system vulnerable to security breaches.”
Synonyms
05searched or cheered
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the past action of searching through something or supporting a team.
v. the past tense of root; used for the act of rummaging or, in American English, expressing support for a contestant.
“She rooted through her bag looking for her car keys.”
“The crowd rooted for the underdog throughout the match, hoping for a last-minute comeback.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“In a recent interview with the Misophonia Research Fund (MRF), he described current research investigating how misophonia is rooted in the brain.” “It’s Indian in that everything is rooted in an Indian POV.” Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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