phrase
rooting for you
ROO-ting for yoo
Rooting for you (phrase) means Said to tell someone that you support them and genuinely want them to succeed. Example: “Good luck with the interview tomorrow, we're all rooting for you.”
phrase
1
Said to tell someone that you support them and genuinely want them to succeed.
"Good luck with the interview tomorrow, we're all rooting for you."
"Whatever you decide, I'm rooting for you."
2
Said to someone facing illness or hardship as a message of hope and encouragement.
"The whole ward is rooting for you, Dad."
How to use rooting for you
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishI want you to do well and I'm on your side.
When to use it
Warm and informal; fine in speech, cards and messages.
Memory tip
Root for is standard in American English; British speakers more often say cheering you on or behind you, though rooting for you is now widely understood.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
I'm rooting for you
we're all rooting for you
rooting for the underdog
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Good luck with the interview tomorrow, we're all _____.
Etymology
From the verb root "to cheer or support", used of sports crowds in American English; its earlier origin is uncertain.
Synonyms
View more →
cheering you on
behind you
in your corner
pulling for you
Antonyms
against you
Rhymes for rooting for you
See all rhymes for rooting for you →Frequently asked questions
Is it rooting for you or routing for you?
Rooting is correct. Routing means directing something along a path, as in routing a phone call or a delivery, and has nothing to do with support. The confusion comes from the two words sounding similar in many accents.
What is the difference between rooting for you and supporting you?
Supporting you can mean practical help: money, time, effort. Rooting for you is purely emotional. It means you are on their side and hoping for a good outcome, without necessarily doing anything.
What is the meaning of rooting for you?
"rooting for you" (phrase) means said to tell someone that you support them and genuinely want them to succeed.
What is another word for rooting for you?
Other words for "rooting for you" include cheering you on, behind you, in your corner, pulling for you.
