roots / routes are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇
roots: (noun) the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage.
routes: (verb) send documents or materials to appropriate destinations. (verb) send via a specific route. (verb) divert in a specified direction.
roots: r·UW·t·s
routes: r·UW·t·s
(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)