Cheer vs. Root: What's the Difference?
By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 6, 2023
Cheer typically means to shout joy or encouragement; Root refers to expressing support for a team or participant, often by cheering. Both convey positive support but can be used in slightly varied contexts.
Key Differences
Cheer and root, though synonymous in certain contexts, maintain nuanced differences in English parlance. To cheer is to shout out words or create noise that expresses happiness or encouragement. People often cheer at sports events, concerts, and any occasions that invite applause or shouts of joy. Rooting, though it involves an element of cheering, implies a deeper level of support or alliance with a particular team, individual, or cause. It's an enduring support that often spans various scenarios and contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
The act of cheering is visceral and expressive. One might cheer to express spontaneous joy, approval, or to contribute to a collective expression of enthusiasm, such as at a celebratory event. On the other hand, to root for someone or something often infers a steadier, more ingrained level of support. One might root for a particular sports team season after season, regardless of their performance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
The word cheer can also be utilized as a noun, referring to the physical expression of joy or encouragement (e.g., "three cheers for the team"). It reflects an outward exhibition of positivity or approval. Root, when used as a verb in the context of support (e.g., "rooting for my team"), focuses on the act of providing ongoing support and hope for success.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Cheer has varied uses outside of expressing encouragement vocally. It can also imply a general spirit of joy or positivity in certain contexts (e.g., "holiday cheer"). Root, in contrast, doesn’t extend its meaning much beyond the supportive context when used as a verb. However, it’s worth noting that "root" has other meanings unrelated to support when used as a noun (e.g., "plant root").
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Used as both a noun and a verb
Primarily used as a verb in supportive context
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
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Use in Sentences
Can be used to reflect general spirit of joy
Largely used to show alliance/support
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Alternate Meanings
May refer to overall positive ambience
When used as a noun, it refers to plant parts
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Emotional Context
Can be generic or non-specific
Often implies deeper, specific support
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Cheer and Root Definitions
Cheer
A feeling or atmosphere of optimism and happiness.
Her smile brought cheer to the room.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
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Root
To express or show support for a team or participant.
I always root for the underdog in a competition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Cheer
A shout of approval, encouragement, or congratulation
A remark that drew cheers from the crowd.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To originate or be traced to something.
The tradition roots back to ancient times.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Cheer
A short, rehearsed jingle or phrase, shouted in unison by a squad of cheerleaders.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The usually underground portion of a plant that lacks buds, leaves, or nodes and serves as support, draws minerals and water from the surrounding soil, and sometimes stores food.
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Oct 07, 2023
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Root
Any of various other underground plant parts, especially an underground stem such as a rhizome, corm, or tuber.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
Lightness of spirits or mood; gaiety or joy
A happy tune, full of cheer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The embedded part of an organ or structure such as a hair, tooth, or nerve, that serves as a base or support.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
Festive food and drink; refreshment
Did not refrain from sampling their holiday cheer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The bottom or supporting part of something
We snipped the wires at the roots.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The essential part or element; the basic core
I finally got to the root of the problem.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
To express praise or approval
Bloggers cheered when the favorable decision was announced.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
Often roots The condition of being settled and of belonging to a particular place or society
Our roots in this town go back a long way.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
Roots The state of having or establishing an indigenous relationship with or a personal affinity for a particular culture, society, or environment
Music with unmistakable African roots.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
To express praise or approval for; acclaim
Cheered the results of the election.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The element that carries the main component of meaning in a word and provides the basis from which a word is derived by adding affixes or inflectional endings or by phonetic change.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
(uncountable) A cheerful attitude; happiness; a good, happy, or positive mood.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
A number that when multiplied by itself an indicated number of times forms a product equal to a specified number. For example, a fourth root of 4 is √2. Also called nth root.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
That which promotes good spirits or cheerfulness, especially food and entertainment prepared for a festive occasion.
A table loaded with good cheer
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
A number that reduces a polynomial equation in one variable to an identity when it is substituted for the variable.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
(countable) A cry expressing joy, approval or support, such as "hurrah".
Three cheers for the birthday boy!
A cheer rose from the crowd.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
Cheerleading, especially when practiced as a competitive sport.
Alex participated in cheer all four years of college.
I'm going to wear my new cheer shoes at cheer today.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To become firmly established or settled
The idea of tolerance has rooted in our culture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
(transitive) To gladden; to make cheerful; often with up.
We were cheered by the offer of a cup of tea.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
(transitive) To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, into; to inspirit; to solace or comfort.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To be the source or origin of
"Much of [the team's] success was rooted in the bullpen" (Dan Shaughnessy).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
(ambitransitive) To applaud or encourage with cheers or shouts.
The crowd cheered in support of the athletes.
The crowd cheered the athletes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To dig or pull out by the roots. Often used with up or out
We rooted out the tree stumps with a tractor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
To feel or express enthusiasm for (something).
The finance sector will cheer this decision.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To remove or get rid of. Often used with out
"declared that waste and fraud will be vigorously rooted out of Government" (New York Times).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
That which promotes good spirits or cheerfulness; provisions prepared for a feast; entertainment; as, a table loaded with good cheer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To cause to appear or be known. Used with out
An investigation that rooted out the source of the problem.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
Feeling; spirit; state of mind or heart.
Be of good cheer.
The parents . . . fled away with heavy cheer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
Gayety; mirth; cheerfulness; animation.
I have not that alacrity of spirit,Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To search or rummage for something
Rooted around for a pencil in his cluttered office.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
A shout, hurrah, or acclamation, expressing joy enthusiasm, applause, favor, etc.
Welcome her, thundering cheer of the street.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To give audible encouragement or applause to a contestant or team; cheer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To give moral support to someone; hope for a favorable outcome for someone
We'll be rooting for you when you take the exam.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, into; to inspirit; to solace or comfort.
The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The part of a plant, generally underground, that anchors and supports the plant body, absorbs and stores water and nutrients, and in some plants is able to perform vegetative reproduction.
This tree's roots can go as deep as twenty metres underground.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
To salute or applaud with cheers; to urge on by cheers; as, to cheer hounds in a chase.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
To grow cheerful; to become gladsome or joyous; - usually with up.
At sight of thee my gloomy soul cheers up.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The part of a tooth extending into the bone holding the tooth in place.
Root damage is a common problem of overbrushing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The part of a hair under the skin that holds the hair in place.
The root is the only part of the hair that is alive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
To utter a shout or shouts of applause, triumph, etc.
And even the ranks of TusculumCould scare forbear to cheer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The part of a hair near the skin that has not been dyed, permed, or otherwise treated.
He dyed his hair black last month, so the grey roots can be seen.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
(figurative) The primary source; origin.
The love of money is the root of all evil.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
The quality of being cheerful and dispelling gloom;
Flowers added a note of cheerfulness to the drab room
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
(engineering) The bottom of the thread of a threaded object.
The root diameter is the minor diameter of an external thread and the major diameter of an internal one.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
Show approval or good wishes by shouting;
Everybody cheered the birthday boy
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
(arithmetic) Of a number or expression, a number which, when raised to a specified power, yields the specified number or expression.
The cube root of 27 is 3.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
Cause (somebody) to feel happier or more cheerful;
She tried to cheer up the disappointed child when he failed to win the spelling bee
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
(arithmetic) A square root (understood if no power is specified; in which case, "the root of" is often abbreviated to "root").
Multiply by root 2.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
Urge on or encourage especially by shouts;
The crowd cheered the demonstrating strikers
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
A vocal expression of support or joy.
The crowd gave a loud cheer when the team scored.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Root
(linguistic morphology) The primary lexical unit of a word, which carries the most significant aspects of semantic content and cannot be reduced into smaller constituents. Inflectional stems often derive from roots.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
To shout words or sounds of approval or encouragement.
We cheer for our home team every Friday.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Cheer
To uplift the spirit or mood of a person or group.
He tried to cheer her with a small gift.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Root
(music) The fundamental tone of any chord; the tone from whose harmonics, or overtones, a chord is composed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Cheer
To acclaim or express approval vocally.
They began to cheer the speaker with enthusiasm.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Root
(computing) In UNIX terminology, the first user account with complete access to the operating system and its configuration, found at the root of the directory structure; the person who manages accounts on a UNIX system.
I have to log in as root before I do that.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
(computing) The highest directory of a directory structure which may contain both files and subdirectories.
I installed the files in the root directory.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To grow roots; to enter the earth, as roots; to take root and begin to grow.
The cuttings are starting to root.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To prepare, oversee, or otherwise cause the rooting of cuttings.
We rooted some cuttings last summer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To get root or privileged access on a computer system or mobile phone, often through bypassing some security mechanism.
We rooted his box and planted a virus on it.
I want to root my Android phone so I can remove the preinstalled crapware.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
(ambitransitive) To turn up or dig with the snout.
A pig roots the earth for truffles.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
(by extension) To seek favour or advancement by low arts or grovelling servility; to fawn.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
(intransitive) To rummage; to search as if by digging in soil.
Rooting about in a junk-filled drawer
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
(intransitive) Of a baby: to turn the head and open the mouth in search of food.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To cheer (on); to show support (for) and hope for the success of. See root for.
I'm rooting for you, don't let me down!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
Hence, to seek for favor or advancement by low arts or groveling servility; to fawn servilely.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To fix the root; to enter the earth, as roots; to take root and begin to grow.
In deep grounds the weeds root deeper.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To be firmly fixed; to be established.
If any irregularity chanced to intervene and to cause misappehensions, he gave them not leave to root and fasten by concealment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To shout for, or otherwise noisly applaud or encourage, a contestant, as in sports; hence, to wish earnestly for the success of some one or the happening of some event, with the superstitious notion that this action may have efficacy; - usually with for; as, the crowd rooted for the home team.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To plant and fix deeply in the earth, or as in the earth; to implant firmly; hence, to make deep or radical; to establish; - used chiefly in the participle; as, rooted trees or forests; rooted dislike.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
To tear up by the root; to eradicate; to extirpate; - with up, out, or away.
The Lord rooted them out of their land . . . and cast them into another land.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The underground portion of a plant, whether a true root or a tuber, a bulb or rootstock, as in the potato, the onion, or the sweet flag.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
An edible or esculent root, especially of such plants as produce a single root, as the beet, carrot, etc.; as, the root crop.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
That which resembles a root in position or function, esp. as a source of nourishment or support; that from which anything proceeds as if by growth or development; as, the root of a tooth, a nail, a cancer, and the like.
They were the roots out of which sprang two distinct people.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
A primitive form of speech; one of the earliest terms employed in language; a word from which other words are formed; a radix, or radical.
The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The time which to reckon in making calculations.
When a root is of a birth yknowe [known].
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
That factor of a quantity which when multiplied into itself will produce that quantity; thus, 3 is a root of 9, because 3 multiplied into itself produces 9; 3 is the cube root of 27.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
(botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed;
Thematic vowels are part of the stem
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The place where something begins, where it springs into being;
The Italian beginning of the Renaissance
Jupiter was the origin of the radiation
Pittsburgh is the source of the Ohio River
Communism's Russian root
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
A number that when multiplied by itself some number of times equals a given number
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
Someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
A simple form inferred as the common basis from which related words in several languages can be derived by linguistic processes
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
Take sides with; align oneself with; show strong sympathy for;
We all rooted for the home team
I'm pulling for the underdog
Are you siding with the defender of the title?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
Become settled or established and stable in one's residence or life style;
He finally settled down
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Root
The underground part of a plant.
The carrot is a root vegetable, orange and crunchy.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Root
To establish deeply and firmly.
He has roots in the community, having lived here for decades.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Root
To search or rummage for something.
The pigs root around in the mud looking for food.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
FAQs
What does "root" mean in a supportive context?
To "root" for someone means to wish for their success and possibly show vocal support.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Can "root" have meanings unrelated to support in English?
Absolutely, "root" commonly refers to the underground part of plants and can also imply establishing deeply, among other meanings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Is "cheering" always loud and vigorous?
Not necessarily; "cheering" can be quiet and subdued depending on the context and cultural norms.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Are there alternative meanings to "cheer"?
Yes, "cheer" can also indicate an overall ambiance of joy and positivity, aside from being an expression of encouragement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Can "cheer" be used to describe a person’s demeanor?
Yes, it can. For example, someone might be described as being "full of cheer" to indicate a joyful demeanor.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Does "root" always signify active involvement or engagement in supporting?
Not always. One can "root" for a team or person without engaging in visible supportive activities.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Can "root" be used formally in language?
Yes, while "root" is casual, it can be used in formal language, especially when discussing sports or competitions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Is "root" common in American English?
Yes, "root" in the context of supporting a team is very common in American English.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Is there a synonym that can replace "cheer" in most contexts?
While not a perfect substitute, "applause" often fits, as it's another expression of approval or enthusiasm.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Can "cheer" be utilized as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, "cheer" can be used as both, for example: "She gave a cheer" (noun) and "They cheer loudly" (verb).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Is "cheer" culturally utilized differently in various English-speaking countries?
Yes, how and when people "cheer" might differ slightly due to cultural nuances and norms within different regions.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
In what contexts might "root" be used in British English?
"Root" might be used less commonly in British English for support, but is understood and used in various contexts.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Is "cheer" utilized in formal writing?
It can be, although alternative words might be preferred for a more formal tone, depending on context.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Can “root” be used metaphorically?
Yes, such as in "roots of evil," where "root" metaphorically implies the origin or source.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Is “root” used similarly in Australian and American English?
Careful, in Australian slang, "root" can have an adult meaning, showing how regional variations can differ significantly.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
What does it mean to "take root"?
"Take root" is an idiomatic expression meaning to become established, start to grow, or become fixed.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can "cheer" imply approval?
Yes, cheering often implies approval and support of an action, person, or group.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Can "cheer" be used as an instruction?
Yes, such as in "Three cheers for the captain!" it becomes an instructive phrase.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
Can "cheer" be used in negative contexts?
It’s typically associated with positivity, but it could be used negatively if, for example, cheering is inappropriate in a situation.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Can "root" be used to indicate an action of searching?
Yes, "root" can imply searching through or rummaging, e.g., "The dog rooted through the trash."
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
