roots

word · lemma: root

/ˈɹuts/
roots
/ɹˈuːts/
roots

Definition

The roots of a plant are the parts that grow under the ground and take in water and nutrients. The word can also mean a person's, culture's, or idea's origin or deepest source.

Usage & Nuances

Usually plural for plants: 'tree roots', 'the roots are deep'. For origin/identity, common phrases are 'my roots', 'cultural roots', and 'go back to your roots'. Don't confuse it with the math meaning of 'root', which is a separate use.

Example Sentences

The tree has long roots under the ground.

basic

Water helps the plant's roots grow.

basic

She is proud of her family roots.

basic

Even after living abroad for years, he still feels connected to his roots.

natural

This music has deep roots in the region's history.

natural

After all that stress, I just wanted to go home and get back to my roots.

natural