Collocations for "root"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "root" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
root
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- the roots of a [tree, plant]
- the [tree's] roots
- determine the age from its roots
- don't disturb the roots when [moving, replanting]
- my roots [are, lie] in [England]
- she has [Japanese] roots
- [trace, sketch, know, discover] your family roots
- decided to [return, go back] to her roots
- [damaged, burned] the roots of his hair
- need to color the roots of my hair
- [two] is the square root of [four]
- [learn, teach, study] square roots
- lies at the root of the [cause, problem, situation]
- is the root of all our [efforts, work]
- is the root of all [evil, danger, turmoil]
- [the plants, his ideas] have taken root
- root out [crime, corruption, inefficiency]
- root out [weeds, truffles]
- he was rooted to the spot
- rooting for [you, the team, a win]
- root around in the [field, drawers, farm]
- root up [potatoes, a tree]
- root [potatoes] up
- [look into, investigate, discover] the root cause
- the root [node, directory, folder]
- enter your root password
'root' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):