Tap: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฐ
tap
[ tรฆp ]
water
A device for controlling the flow of a liquid or gas from a pipe or container.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
tap |
Commonly used in British English to refer to a device controlling the flow of liquid from a pipe. It can be used in casual and formal contexts.
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faucet |
Mainly used in American English, referring to the same device as 'tap' in British English. It is also used in everyday and formal contexts.
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spigot |
Typically refers to an outdoor tap or a large container's outlet used in American English. It has a more rustic or industrial connotation.
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valve |
Used in both British and American English to refer to a device that controls the flow of gas or liquid, but not typically for household taps. It's more technical and found in industrial or mechanical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The plumber fixed the leaky tap in the kitchen.
- Don't forget to turn off the tap after using it.
dance
A quick light touch or pat with the fingers or toes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
tap |
A light, quick touch often done with fingertips. Common in situations like trying to get someone's attention or using a touchscreen device.
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pat |
A gentle, repeated touch often used to comfort or show affection. Typically involves the palm of the hand.
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touch |
A general term for coming into contact with something or someone. Can be used in various situations.
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stroke |
A slow, gentle movement over a surface, usually to show care or soothe. Often used in contexts like petting animals or comforting someone.
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Examples of usage
- She performed a series of taps in her tap dance routine.
- He tapped his foot to the beat of the music.
contact
To strike or put a hand or tool on something quickly and lightly.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
tap |
Use 'tap' when making a light and quick touch, often with the fingers or a small object, usually to get someone's attention or to cause a small reaction.
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pat |
Use 'pat' to describe a gentle and repeated touch, often conveying reassurance, approval, or affection. It usually involves the palm of the hand.
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touch |
Use 'touch' for general contact with something or someone, not necessarily implying any specific force or motion. This is the most generic of the terms.
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hit |
Use 'hit' when applying a forceful impact, often with intent to strike or inflict harm. This word has a negative connotation when used in situations involving violence.
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Examples of usage
- He tapped me on the shoulder to get my attention.
- The drummer tapped the cymbal softly.
Translations
Translations of the word "tap" in other languages:
๐ต๐น toque
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคช
๐ฉ๐ช Tippen
๐ฎ๐ฉ ketukan
๐บ๐ฆ ะดะพัะธะบ
๐ต๐ฑ stukniฤcie
๐ฏ๐ต ใฟใใ
๐ซ๐ท taper
๐ช๐ธ toque
๐น๐ท dokunma
๐ฐ๐ท ํญ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุถุบุทุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ klepnutรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ ลฅuknutie
๐จ๐ณ ่ฝปๆฒ
๐ธ๐ฎ dotik
๐ฎ๐ธ snerta
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัาฏััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฌแแแแฃแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ toxunma
๐ฒ๐ฝ toque
Etymology
The word 'tap' originated in the early 14th century, from Old French 'taper' meaning 'to strike'. Initially, it referred to a tool for cutting a screw thread or hole in a material. Over time, the usage of 'tap' expanded to include various meanings related to controlling flow or making a light touch. Today, 'tap' is commonly used in contexts related to plumbing, dance, and communication.
Word Frequency Rank
At #6,433 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
- 6430 parcel
- 6431 controller
- 6432 corrections
- 6433 tap
- 6434 grip
- 6435 eliminating
- 6436 praying
- ...