Tap: meaning, definitions and examples

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tap

 

[ tรฆp ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

water

A device for controlling the flow of a liquid or gas from a pipe or container.

Synonyms

faucet, spigot, valve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • He turned on the tap to wash his hands.
  • The plumber fixed the leaking tap.
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.

  • She installed a new faucet in the kitchen.
  • Please make sure the faucet is turned off properly.
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.

  • The gardener filled the watering can from the spigot.
  • There was a spigot at the bottom of the barrel for easy access to the liquid.
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.

  • The technician adjusted the valve to regulate the pressure.
  • Make sure the valve is closed before beginning maintenance.

Examples of usage

  • The plumber fixed the leaky tap in the kitchen.
  • Don't forget to turn off the tap after using it.
Context #2 | Noun

dance

A quick light touch or pat with the fingers or toes.

Synonyms

pat, stroke, touch.

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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.

  • She tapped the screen to open the app.
  • He tapped her shoulder to get her attention.
pat

A gentle, repeated touch often used to comfort or show affection. Typically involves the palm of the hand.

  • She patted the dog's head.
  • He gave her a reassuring pat on the back.
touch

A general term for coming into contact with something or someone. Can be used in various situations.

  • Please do not touch the artwork.
  • He felt a touch on his arm.
stroke

A slow, gentle movement over a surface, usually to show care or soothe. Often used in contexts like petting animals or comforting someone.

  • She stroked the cat's fur.
  • He stroked her hair gently.

Examples of usage

  • She performed a series of taps in her tap dance routine.
  • He tapped his foot to the beat of the music.
Context #3 | Verb

contact

To strike or put a hand or tool on something quickly and lightly.

Synonyms

hit, pat, touch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • She tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention.
  • Please tap the screen to continue.
pat

Use 'pat' to describe a gentle and repeated touch, often conveying reassurance, approval, or affection. It usually involves the palm of the hand.

  • She patted the dog on the head.
  • He patted his friend on the back after the game.
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.

  • Please do not touch the exhibit.
  • She touched his hand lightly.
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.

  • He hit the ball with all his strength.
  • She got angry and hit her brother.

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น toque

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคŸเฅˆเคช

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Tippen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ketukan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะพั‚ะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ stukniฤ™cie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฟใƒƒใƒ—

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท taper

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ toque

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dokunma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํƒญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุถุบุทุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ klepnutรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลฅuknutie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฝปๆ•ฒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ dotik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ snerta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚าฏั€ั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒฌแƒ™แƒแƒžแƒฃแƒœแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ toxunma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.

See also: tape, tapping, untapped.

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.