Contacts Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contacts

[หˆkษ’ntรฆkts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

list of personal connections

Contacts refer to a list of personal connections or the act of communicating with these connections. It can also be a digital address book or a database of people's information.

Synonyms

acquaintances, associates, connections, network.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contacts

Use 'contacts' when referring to people you know and can reach out to, usually for assistance or to share information. It is often used in both personal and professional contexts.

  • I have a few contacts in the publishing industry who might be able to help you.
  • She checked her contacts to find someone who could fix her computer.
connections

Use 'connections' to refer to people who can provide opportunities or support, especially related to career or professional growth. It implies a network but has a broader and more strategic nuance.

  • He used his connections to get an interview at the top law firm.
  • Building valuable connections is crucial for career advancement.
network

Use 'network' to describe a group of interconnected people, often professionals, who exchange information and support each other. It emphasizes the collective aspect of the relationships.

  • She has a strong network in the tech industry.
  • Networking events are great opportunities to expand your professional network.
associates

Use 'associates' when referring to people you are connected with, especially in a business or professional context. This term implies a working relationship rather than a personal one.

  • My business associates and I are working on a new project.
  • She met several associates from her company at the trade show.
acquaintances

Use 'acquaintances' when referring to people you know slightly, but who are not close friends. It suggests a certain distance or formality in the relationship.

  • He's not a close friend, just an acquaintance I met at a conference.
  • Most of my Facebook friends are just acquaintances.

Examples of usage

  • I need to update my contacts on my phone.
  • She has a lot of contacts in the industry.
  • Please send me your contact details.
  • We exchanged contacts at the networking event.
  • The contacts on my phone help me stay connected.
Context #2 | Noun

visual aid for vision correction

Contacts can also refer to contact lenses, which are visual aids worn directly on the eye to correct vision. They are often used instead of traditional eyeglasses.

Synonyms

contact lenses, eye lenses, vision aids.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contacts

In the context of vision care, has the same meaning as 'contact lenses.'

  • Do you wear contacts or glasses?
  • My contacts make my eyes feel dry sometimes.
contact lenses

Specifically refers to lenses that are placed directly on the eye as an alternative to glasses to correct vision.

  • I need to buy new contact lenses because my prescription changed.
  • She prefers contact lenses over glasses for sports.
eye lenses

A more general term and could refer to parts of the eye or devices like contact lenses or intraocular lenses following eye surgery.

  • Her eye lenses were replaced during cataract surgery.
  • He cleaned his eye lenses thoroughly.
vision aids

Refers to devices like glasses, contact lenses, or magnifiers that assist with improving eyesight.

  • Glasses and contact lenses are common vision aids.
  • For reading, he uses several vision aids such as a magnifying glass.

Examples of usage

  • She switched from glasses to contacts.
  • Contact lenses are more convenient for sports.
  • I wear contacts because they are less noticeable than glasses.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • With the rise of smartphones, the term 'contacts' has become vital, representing digital connections saved on devices.
  • Cloud services allow contacts to be synced across multiple devices, ensuring you always have access to your connections.
  • Apps specifically for managing contacts can automatically update information, making it easier to stay in touch.

Social Dynamics

  • Networkingโ€”building contactsโ€”is crucial in professional settings, helping individuals advance careers and find job opportunities.
  • Social media platforms serve as modern contact lists, allowing users to keep in touch and connect with new people easily.
  • Studies show that having a diverse network of contacts can enhance personal and professional growth.

Psychology

  • Human beings often rely on social contacts to provide emotional support, influencing mental well-being.
  • Positive interactions with contacts can increase feelings of happiness and connectedness, reducing feelings of loneliness.
  • Research highlights the importance of maintaining contact with friends and family for long-term mental health.

Literature

  • Contacts often play a crucial role in stories, serving as key characters who drive plots and reveal themes.
  • Literary works frequently explore the complexities of relationships and the impact of contacts on individual journeys.
  • In many novels, the protagonist's growth is often tied to the contacts they make along their journey.

Origin of 'contacts'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'contacts' comes from the Latin root 'contactus,' meaning 'to touch together.'
  • Originally, 'contact' referred to a physical interaction before evolving to represent communication.
  • The term has been used in the English language since the early 17th century to describe connection or interaction.

The word 'contacts' has a dual origin. The term originated from Latin 'contactus', meaning 'a touching, a contact'. In the modern sense of personal connections, it gained popularity in the 20th century with the rise of networking and communication technologies. The use of 'contacts' in the context of visual aids dates back to the mid-20th century when contact lenses became a popular alternative to eyeglasses.


See also: contact, contactable, contacting.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,086, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.