noun

root

root, origin, source, base

The tree has deep roots.

The tree has deep roots.

Money is the root of the problem.

Money is the root of the problem.

The dentist checked the root of the tooth.

The dentist checked the root of the tooth.

((the ~ of sth.)) the part of a plant that grows underground The tree has deep roots.

((the ~ of sth.)) the main cause or origin of something Money is the root of the problem.

Synonyms: origin, source, base, foundation; Antonyms: branch, leaf, result, effect

From Old Norse 'rót', related to Latin 'radix' (root).

Think of a tree's root as its foundation. This idea extends to the 'root' (origin) of a problem.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.