roots

/ ruːts /

adjective

1. (of popular music) going back to the origins of a style, esp in being genuine and unpretentious

   roots rock

Roots

1. (1976) A Pulitzer Prize –winning novel by the African-American author Alex Haley, later made into a popular television drama. It traces a black American man's heritage to Africa, where his ancestors had been captured and sold as slaves.

Other Word Forms

• rootsy adjective

Example Sentences

Ever since Hoover’s death in 1972, presidents have typically nominated independent candidates with bipartisan support and law enforcement roots to run the FBI.

From Salon

It may have its roots in science fiction, but a small number of researchers are making real progress trying to create computers out of living cells.

From BBC

Dame Patricia always said she thanked her Northern roots and solid family for giving her good sense with her time and her money.

From BBC

Lucumí is an Afro-Caribbean religion with roots in Yoruba cosmology, formed and sustained by enslaved Africans in Cuba as an act of resistance and remembrance.

From Los Angeles Times

One source told me that when he is king, William will be "deep in the roots of the management of Monarchy HQ".

From BBC