root

root is part of the Basic English 850.

Pronunciation

• enPR: ro͞ot
• IPA: /ruːt/
• SAMPA: /ru:t/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

Noun

Singular root

Plural roots

The roots of a tree

1. A root is a part of a tree or plant that is under the ground.

   This tree has strong roots.

2. A root is the important part or the beginning part of something.

   Hatred is the root of all evil.

   I've lived here so long that I have roots here.

   "be" is the root of the word "being".

Verb

Plain form root

Third-person singular roots

Past tense rooted

Past participle rooted

Present participle rooting

(transitive verb)

1. To furnish with or enable to develop roots; to fix or implant by or as if by roots
2. To remove altogether by or as if by pulling out by the roots - usually used with out

   The school authorities will root out the troublemakers.

(intransitive verb)

1. To grow roots or take root

   Dandelions took root in my flowerbeds.

2. To have an origin or base

   The love of money has its roots in greed.