ENGLISH
REFERENCE

root

US //ˈɹut// UK //ɹˈuːt// root
  1. 1 part of a plant (n.)
    A2 Elementary Science

    the part of a plant that grows under the ground to find water and keep the plant in place.

    the subterranean organ of a vascular plant that functions in anchorage and nutrient absorption.

    Example

    The tree has very deep roots that help it survive during dry summers.

    Example

    The invasive species developed an extensive root system that eventually compromised the structural integrity of the nearby stone wall.
  2. 2 origin or cause (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the basic cause or origin of something.

    the fundamental source, origin, or primary cause of a situation or condition.

    Example

    Money was at the root of all their family arguments.

    Example

    The investigation sought to uncover the root of the systemic corruption that had plagued the department for decades.
Show 5 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 family origins (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    your family's history or the place where you come from.

    a person's familial, cultural, or ancestral origins.

    Example

    She moved back to Italy to rediscover her family roots.

    Example

    Despite living abroad for thirty years, he maintained a strong connection to his Irish roots through music and literature.
  2. 4 computing/admin (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the most powerful user account on a computer system, or the top folder.

    the superuser account on Unix-like systems with full administrative privileges; also the top-level directory in a hierarchy.

    Example

    You need root access to install this specific software on the server.

    Example

    The system administrator logged in as root to modify the core configuration files that were restricted to standard users.
  3. 5 linguistics (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Academic Science

    the basic part of a word that carries the main meaning.

    the primary lexical unit of a word which carries the most significant semantic content and cannot be reduced further.

    Example

    The English word 'friendship' comes from the root word 'friend'.

    Example

    Etymologists traced the root of the verb back to a Proto-Indo-European term meaning to shine.
  4. 6 to cheer for (v.)
    B1 Intermediate American English Informal Sport

    to show support for a team or person and hope they win.

    to express vocal support or encouragement for a contestant or team.

    Example

    I always root for the local team, even when they are losing.

    Example

    The entire city was rooting for the underdog to pull off an upset in the championship final.

    Usage

    usually takes the preposition 'for'
  5. 7 to search through (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to look for something by moving things around or digging.

    to rummage or search through items, often by moving them aside in a disorganized way.

    Example

    She was rooting through her bag looking for her car keys.

    Example

    He spent the afternoon rooting around in the attic, hoping to find the old photo albums his mother had mentioned.

    Usage

    often used with 'around' or 'through'
Idioms2 entries

© 2026 English Reference