root vs word form

root and word form both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
root	Yes	No	Yes	No
word form	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, word form is a hypernym of root; that is, word form is a word with a broader meaning than root:

root: (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
word form: the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

Other hypernyms of root include descriptor, form, signifier.

As nouns, word form is a hypernym of root; that is, word form is a word with a broader meaning than root:

root: a simple form inferred as the common basis from which related words in several languages can be derived by linguistic processes
word form: the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

Other hypernyms of root include descriptor, form, signifier.

root (noun)	word form (noun)
the embedded part of a bodily structure such as a tooth, nail, or hair	the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
a simple form inferred as the common basis from which related words in several languages can be derived by linguistic processes
the set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
(botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
a number that, when multiplied by itself some number of times, equals a given number

root (verb)	word form (verb)
take root and begin to grow
cause to take roots
become settled or established and stable in one's residence or life style
dig with the snout
plant by the roots
cheer for
come into existence, originate