B2noun1K

Root

UK /["/ruːt/"]/US /["/ruːt/"]/

Definition

the part of a plant that grows under the ground and takes in water and minerals that it sends to the rest of the plant

In simple words: The part of a plant that grows underground and takes in water and nutrients.

Examples

  • The root of the problem lies deeper than we initially thought.
  • She decided to plant the tree by digging a hole for its root.
  • You need to work on your root cause analysis for effective problem-solving.
  • In mathematics, the square root of a number is its value when multiplied by itself.
  • The root of the plant spread out in all directions, seeking nutrients.

Usage notes

Commonly used in botany and gardening. Also used metaphorically to refer to the source or main cause of something. Avoid in very technical scientific discussions where more specific terms are preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'root beer' as it has a root flavor, just like the root grows under the ground.

Collocations

  • deep
  • shallow
  • gnarled
  • develop
  • grow
  • put down
  • grow
  • system
  • ball
  • crops
  • by its/​the roots
  • deep
  • strong
  • very
  • have
  • explore
  • find
  • be planted in something
  • go back
  • cause
  • at (the root of)
  • root in
  • the root of all evil
  • the root of the matter
  • the root of the problem
  • deep
  • strong
  • very
  • have
  • explore
  • find
  • be planted in something
  • go back
  • cause
  • at (the root of)
  • root in
  • the root of all evil
  • the root of the matter
  • the root of the problem
  • humble
  • strong
  • cultural
  • get back to
  • go back to
  • return to

Synonyms

  • foundation
  • basis
  • source
  • stem
  • base

Antonyms

  • tip
  • top

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'route', meaning a path or direction.
  • Using 'root' to refer to any part of a plant instead of just the underground part.
  • Incorrect pluralization as 'roots' when referring to a single entity.