Net Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🕸️
net
[nɛt ]
Definitions
internet
A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols.
Synonyms
cyberspace, online, web.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| net |
A common, casual term for the internet, frequently used in everyday conversation.
|
| web |
Typically used to refer to the World Wide Web, which is a part of the internet. It is used in both technical and casual contexts.
|
| cyberspace |
A more technical or science fiction term, often used in discussions about the digital world or internet culture.
|
| online |
Describes being connected to the internet or activities that occur on the internet. It's commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- I spend a lot of time on the net checking emails and browsing social media.
- The net has revolutionized the way we access information and connect with people around the world.
sports
A piece of open-meshed material made of twine, cord, or something similar, used typically for catching fish or other animals.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| net |
A 'net' is typically used for catching fish or sports activities like basketball or volleyball.
|
| mesh |
A 'mesh' refers to a material made of interlacing threads, often used in clothing, screen doors, or filters.
|
| web |
A 'web' is often used to describe a spider's creation or the Internet, known as the World Wide Web.
|
| trap |
A 'trap' is a device designed to catch and hold animals or people and has a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The fisherman cast the net into the water, hoping for a good catch.
- The basketball player scored by shooting the ball through the net.
action
Catch or land (a fish or other animal) with a net.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| net |
Used again because it can also mean gaining a specific result or amount after deductions.
|
| catch |
Commonly used in everyday situations to describe the act of grabbing, intercepting, or understanding something.
|
| capture |
Often used in the context of seizing or taking control of something or someone, either physically or figuratively.
|
| snare |
Typically used in the context of trapping animals, and sometimes has a negative connotation when referring to trapping people in deceitful ways.
|
Examples of usage
- They netted a huge haul of fish from the river.
- The team managed to net three goals in the first half of the match.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Nets are used in biology for gathering samples, such as collecting insects or fish for research.
- In computer science, a 'network' can be visualized as a web of 'nets' connecting devices for communication.
- In physics, concepts like 'net force' describe the overall effect of all forces acting on an object, similar to how a net captures total effects.
Sports
- In sports like tennis and basketball, a net divides the playing area and defines the goal area, crucial for the game's structure.
- Badminton utilizes a net that is high in the center and low at the ends, affecting the game's strategy and play.
- The term 'net score' in competitive games refers to the final score after deductions, emphasizing the importance of achieving optimal results.
Culture
- Fishing nets are ingrained in many cultures' traditions and rituals, symbolizing resourcefulness and survival.
- In art, 'netting' techniques create intricate designs and patterns, influencing modern textile and fashion design.
- Movies and literature often use nets as symbols of entrapment or connection, reflecting deeper thematic elements.
Economics
- The concept of 'net profit' is vital in business, referring to the actual earnings after all expenses are deducted.
- Economists analyze 'net worth' as a measure of financial health, calculating all assets minus liabilities.
- Trade networks form a 'net' of economic connections across countries, affecting global commerce.
Origin of 'net'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'net' comes from the Old English word 'net', meaning a device for catching or trapping.
- The connection to 'network' indicates a collection of interconnected points, just like how a net has many strands.
- In medieval times, nets were vital for trade and survival, showcasing their historical importance in fishing and hunting.
The word 'net' originated from the Old English word 'nett', which meant a piece of open-meshed material. It has been used for centuries to refer to various types of nets, including those used for fishing, sports, and even the internet. Over time, 'net' has become synonymous with connectivity, capture, and interweaving, reflecting its diverse applications in different contexts.