The root of the problem Meaning in English
expression
thuh ROOT uhv thuh PRAH-blum
thuh ROOT uhv thuh PROB-luhm
Definition
The main cause or most basic reason why a problem exists.
Usage & Nuances
This is a formal to semi-formal idiom used to emphasize the fundamental reason behind an issue. Commonly appears in problem-solving discussions, reports, and meetings. Don't confuse with 'a root problem' (which just means an important problem, not necessarily causal).
Spanish: la raíz del problemaPortuguese (BR): a raiz do problemaPortuguese (PT): a raiz do problemaChinese (Simplified): 问题的根源Chinese (Traditional): 問題的根源Hindi: समस्या की जड़Arabic: جذر المشكلةBengali: সমস্যার মূল কারণ - সমস্যার গোড়াRussian: корень проблемыJapanese: 問題の根本原因Vietnamese: gốc rễ của vấn đềKorean: 문제의 근원 - 문제의 뿌리Turkish: sorunun kökeni - sorunun asıl nedeniUrdu: مسئلے کی جڑIndonesian: akar masalah
Example Sentences
We need to find the root of the problem before we can fix it.
basic
The teacher explained the root of the problem to the class.
basic
Money is often the root of the problem in these arguments.
basic
We keep fixing the symptoms, but not the root of the problem.
natural
Honestly, trust issues are the root of the problem in their relationship.
natural
Let’s sit down and get to the root of the problem together.
natural