Thesaurus

root

Q: How is the word 'root' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of root are inception , origin , and source . While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned. // the real root of the violence

Q: When would 'inception' be a good substitute for 'root'?

While the synonyms inception and root are close in meaning, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes. // the business has been a success since its inception

Q: When is it sensible to use 'origin' instead of 'root'?

The synonyms origin and root are sometimes interchangeable, but origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being. // an investigation into the origin of baseball

Q: Where would 'source' be a reasonable alternative to 'root'?

In some situations, the words source and root are roughly equivalent. However, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being. // the source of the Nile // the source of recurrent trouble

noun

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Synonyms of root

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 a point or place at which something is invented or provided

he insists that insecurity is the root of all jealousy

Synonyms for root

Words Related to root

2 the source from which something grows or develops

one would need to go back at least several hundred years to find the root of the entrenched hostility between the neighboring nations

Synonyms for root

Words Related to root

3 an immaterial thing upon which something else rests

an implicit trust in the wisdom of the people is the root of democracy

Synonyms for root

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4 the central part or aspect of something under consideration

at root, it's a question of the proper limits, if any, of free speech

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Phrases Synonymous with root

root

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of root (Entry 2 of 2)

to set solidly in or as if in surrounding matter

rooted the post securely in the dirt

Synonyms for root

Words Related to root

Near Antonyms for root

eject,
expel

Antonyms for root

Frequently Asked Questions About root

How is the word root distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of root are inception, origin, and source. While all these words mean "the point at which something begins its course or existence," root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

When would inception be a good substitute for root?

While the synonyms inception and root are close in meaning, inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

When is it sensible to use origin instead of root?

The synonyms origin and root are sometimes interchangeable, but origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

Where would source be a reasonable alternative to root?

In some situations, the words source and root are roughly equivalent. However, source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile

the source of recurrent trouble