Spanish Conversation · Level 8
90 words
Spanish word
raíz
Pronunciation
IPA/raˈiθ/
Meaning
- feminine nounroot
Example
La raíz del árbol está rota.
The root of the tree is broken.
More examples
El problema real radica en la raíz del malentendido.
The real problem lies in the root of the misunderstanding.
Core concept
Fundamental base or source from which something grows or begins.
Common phrases
la raíz del problema
root of the problem
la raíz de la palabra
root of the word
Similar words
origen: Point or source where something begins or first arises.
cimiento: Subterranean structural base beneath a building that supports its weight.
tronco: Thick woody main stem of a tree that supports branches and leaves.
Definition in Spanish
Órgano subterráneo de las plantas que fija la planta al terreno y absorbe agua y sales; por analogía, base o fundamento de algo.
Word origin
From Latin radix 'root', the word entered Spanish with its original sense and developed a figurative use for foundations, causes, and origins.
Usage tips
- Common collocations include echar raíces for 'to settle' and raíz cuadrada for 'square root', so raíz appears in both everyday metaphors and technical expressions.