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

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."

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 notes

In 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

routing → rooting out rooting a phone

Common pairings

I'm rooting for you we're all rooting for you rooting for the underdog

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

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.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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cheering you on behind you in your corner pulling for you

Antonyms

against you

Rhymes for rooting for you

ou you fou sou IOU Lou kou mou Zou Vou Hou thou

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.