Definition of root

Short definition: The word root means the part of a plant that grows under the ground to keep it strong, and it can also mean the main reason behind a problem or situation, the place where everything really begins.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word root? The word root is simple but very deep in meaning. You will hear it in biology, language, family history, and even in daily conversations. Sometimes it talks about plants, sometimes about origins, and sometimes about support and loyalty. In casual speech, people even use it as slang to show encouragement. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels real, human, and easy to understand.

Forms: root, roots, rooted, rooting
Related: origin n., base n., stem n.
Syllable: root

1. (Noun) The part of a plant that grows under the ground and holds it in place while taking in water and nutrients.

   A root is the underground part of a plant that keeps it steady in the soil and helps it absorb the water and nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy.

   The tree stayed standing during the storm because its roots were deep and strong in the ground, holding it firmly even when the wind was powerful.
   When we pulled out the old plant, we were surprised to see how long and twisted the roots were beneath the soil.
   Healthy roots are the reason the garden looks so green and full of life throughout the year.

   Synonyms: plant base, underground stem, foundation of a plant, plant anchor, growth base, nutrient line, plant support, soil grip, plant core, underground part, life source, plant origin
   Antonyms: leaves, flowers, branches, fruit, surface part, top growth, outer layer, above ground part, stem tip, crown, canopy, upper growth

2. (Noun) The origin or starting point of something, especially a problem, idea, or tradition.

   Root can mean the deepest cause of something, like the root of a problem or the root of a tradition, helping people understand where things truly begin.

   They finally discovered the root of the misunderstanding after talking honestly about what really happened at the beginning.
   Fear was the root of his anger, even though he did not realize it for a long time.
   Learning the root of the custom helped her understand why her family valued it so much.

   Synonyms: origin, source, cause, beginning, base, foundation, starting point, core reason, main cause, underlying reason, first step, true source
   Antonyms: result, effect, outcome, consequence, ending, surface issue, final stage, later development, symptom, after effect, conclusion, finish

3. (Noun) A person’s family background culture or place they come from.

   Roots often means where someone comes from, including their family history, culture, and the traditions that shaped who they are today.

   Even after living abroad for many years, she never forgot her roots and always felt connected to her hometown.
   He enjoys learning about his family roots because it helps him understand himself better.
   The festival celebrates cultural roots that bring people together from different backgrounds.

   Synonyms: heritage, background, origin, ancestry, family history, cultural base, birthplace connection, foundation of identity, tradition base, family line, lineage, cultural origin
   Antonyms: disconnection, loss of identity, rootlessness, no background, cultural break, separation from past, forgotten origin, lack of history, detachment, isolation, no ties, lost heritage

4. (Verb) To become fixed in a place or situation and not easily change.

   To root means to settle deeply into something, like when habits, beliefs, or traditions become so strong that they are hard to change.

   Over the years, the routine became rooted in his life, making it difficult for him to imagine a different way of living.
   The idea slowly rooted itself in her mind until she finally believed it was the right path.
   Bad habits can become deeply rooted if no effort is made to change them early.

   Synonyms: settle, take hold, become fixed, grow strong, establish, plant deeply, stay firm, become stable, take shape, build foundation, become solid, stay rooted
   Antonyms: change easily, move on, shift, uproot, break away, let go, release, detach, remove, abandon, quit, pull out

5. (Slang) To support someone strongly and want them to succeed.

   In casual slang, to root for someone means to cheer for them and hope they win or do well, especially in sports or competitions.

   Everyone in the room was rooting for her to win the contest because they knew how hard she had worked for that moment.
   His family stayed up late to root for him during the final match on television.
   Even strangers were rooting for the underdog team because their story was so inspiring.

   Synonyms: cheer for, support, back up, encourage, stand behind, wish success, be on someone’s side, champion, promote, believe in, give support, rally for
   Antonyms: oppose, go against, criticize, doubt, discourage, stand against, reject, boo, put down, mock, sabotage, turn away