Differences between root out and wipe out
Root out means to find and remove something that is hidden or difficult to find, while wipe out means to completely destroy or eliminate something.
Meanings and Definitions: root out vs wipe out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Root out
- 1Look for and find.
The police ROOTED OUT the informer.
- 2Find the source of a problem and remove it.
They are trying to ROOT OUT the troublemakers.
Wipe out
- 1Make someone very tired.
Revising for the exam last night WIPED me OUT.
- 2Kill all of a population, make extinct.
A meteor crashing into the planet WIPED the dinosaurs OUT.
Usage Examples: root out, wipe out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
root out
Example
The detective was determined to root out the truth.
Example
She roots out the best deals when shopping.
wipe out
Example
The storm wiped out the entire village.
Example
She wipes out her energy by working too hard.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Root out
dig up
To find and uncover something that was hidden or difficult to find.
Example
After hours of searching, they finally dug up the missing documents from the archives.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wipe out
To completely eliminate or destroy something.
Example
The new vaccine helped eradicate the disease from the population.
To completely destroy or defeat something or someone.
Example
The army was able to annihilate the enemy forces and win the battle.
To completely destroy or erase something so that it no longer exists.
Example
The hurricane obliterated the small town, leaving nothing but rubble and debris behind.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “root”
Differences in root out vs wipe out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: root out or wipe out?
In daily conversation, people use wipe out more often than root out. This is because wipe out is used for more common situations such as cleaning or erasing something. Root out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about finding and removing something that is hard to find. So, while both phrases are used, wipe out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of root out and wipe out
Root out and wipe out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of root out and wipe out
The tone of root out and wipe out can differ based on context. Root out often carries a determined or investigative tone when related to finding and removing something, while wipe out typically has a forceful and destructive tone, especially when referring to eliminating something completely.
