Definition

1. Noun:
   • Root, origin, source: The fundamental cause, basis, or primary source from which something develops or originates. It refers to the very beginning or core foundation of an issue, tradition, or phenomenon.
   • Root and branch (as a compound concept): The entirety of something, including its origins and all its parts; used to signify complete eradication or fundamental understanding.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tiền là gốc rễ của nhiều tệ nạn. (Money is the root of many evils.)
  • Chúng ta cần hiểu gốc rễ của vấn đề. (We need to understand the root of the problem.)
  • Trừ tận gốc rễ những phong tục xấu. (To abolish bad customs root and branch.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal or analytical contexts to emphasize deep, causal investigation or total elimination.
• It can function as a compound noun where "gốc" (base/trunk) and "rễ" (roots) together create a stronger, more holistic meaning than either word alone.

Variants and Related Words

• Cội nguồn (n): origin, source (often for traditions, lineage).
• Nguyên nhân (n): cause, reason (more general than , less emphasis on fundamental origin).
• Căn nguyên (n): primary cause, genesis (similar to , used in formal or medical contexts).

Synonyms

• Root: the basic cause or source.
• Origin: the point where something begins.
• Foundation: the basis upon which something is built.
• Core: the central or most important part.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Tận gốc rễ: (adv) thoroughly, completely, from the very root.
  • Giải quyết vấn đề tận gốc rễ. (To solve a problem thoroughly/at its root.)
• The phrase "gốc rễ" itself is sometimes used idiomatically to mean "fundamentally" or "in essence."

1. Root, root and branch. root
   • Tiền là gốc rễ của nhiều tệ nạn
     Money is the root of many evils
   • trừ tận gốc rễ những phong tục xấu
     To abolish bad customs root and branch