root, rout
Fowler's Modern English Usage:
Top
root, rout
The Old English (up to 1150)D records two verbs spelt root (and pronounced like boot), and no fewer than ten verbs spelt rout (and pronounced like bout). An overlap occurs in the meaning 'to poke about', which can be either root about or rout about, each pronounced in its own way. Choice depends largely on regional identity. Of the many other meanings of these words, root for (= encourage by applause) is mainly confined to American slang but is occasionally heard in Britain.
| roomful, room, roof | |
| rosary, rosery, rotary, rotatory, rottenness |
