Root (Verb)
Meaning 1
Dig with the snout; "the pig was rooting for truffles".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- The pig was rooting for truffles in the forest with its sensitive snout.
- A wild boar began rooting around in the underbrush for a place to rest.
- The pig started rooting in the mud for a lost food source that had been left behind.
- The farmer watched as the pig was rooting in the soil for what seemed like hours.
- As the pig rooted deeper in the earth, it uncovered an edible root system.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Become settled or established and stable in one's residence or life style; "He finally settled down".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 3
Take root and begin to grow; "this plant roots quickly".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The young seedling will take root in a week's time and flourish into a beautiful flower.
- After planting the sapling in fertile soil, its roots began to spread rapidly, supporting strong growth.
- These trees root incredibly fast in the warmer climates and can grow up to 5 feet in just one season.
- It usually takes a few weeks for a new transplant to root properly and regain its original vibrancy.
- The rose bush roots aggressively and requires regular pruning to control its rapid expansion.
Related Words
Meaning 4
Cheer for; "She roots for the Broncos".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- He roots for his hometown basketball team every season.
- The entire community roots for the local football team during championships.
- My family roots for the home team at every baseball game we attend.
- Everyone in the office roots for the favorites to win during March Madness.
- The little girl roots for her favorite gymnast competing in the Olympics.
Hypernyms
Meaning 5
Cause to take roots.
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The seed was planted in fertile soil to root and grow into a strong tree.
- She hoped to root the rose cutting in a pot and then transplant it in the garden.
- Farmers often use fungi to help root the young saplings in the nursery.
- She added a root enhancer to the soil to help the newly planted bulbs root quickly.
- The gardener bent the stem of the vine to the ground and covered it with soil to root it in place.
Related Words
Meaning 6
Come into existence, originate; "The problem roots in her depression".
Classification
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations.
Examples
- Her troubles root in a difficult childhood.
- The city's growth roots in its strategic geographical location.
- Their friendship roots in a chance meeting during college.
- The company's success roots in innovative marketing strategies.
- His behavioral issues root in a lack of parental guidance during adolescence.
Related Words
Meaning 7
Plant by the roots.
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- She carefully dug up the plant and began to root it in the new pot with fresh soil.
- To root this particular species of orchid, it's essential to select a well-draining potting mixture.
- Choose a healthy stem with at least a few nodes and allow it time to root in the water before transferring to soil.
- If you're rooting a cutting from an ivy plant, make sure to leave a couple of sets of leaves to allow for proper nutrient intake.
- Some people prefer to root their cuttings directly in the ground by selecting an area with optimal sunlight and adequate moisture.