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Tapping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tapping

[หˆtรฆpษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

The action or process of hitting something gently and repeatedly, especially to produce a sound.

Synonyms

knocking, rapping, ticking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tapping

This is often used to describe a light, repetitive sound or action, like drumming your fingers quietly on a table.

  • She was nervously tapping her foot during the interview
  • The rain was tapping against the window
knocking

This term is commonly used for the sound made when hitting a surface, usually a door, seeking to get someone's attention.

  • He heard someone knocking at the door
  • She was knocking on the door for several minutes before anybody answered
rapping

The word 'rapping' can indicate a quick and sharp hit or noise, often on a hard surface. It can also refer to speaking rhythmically in music.

  • She was rapping on the desk to get the students' attention
  • The rapper was known for his fast rapping style
ticking

'Ticking' is typically used to describe a continuous, quick, repetitive sound, like the noise made by a clock or a timer.

  • The clock was ticking loudly in the silent room
  • I can hear the ticking of the old grandpa's clock

Examples of usage

  • He heard the tapping of rain on the roof.
  • She signaled to him with a tapping on the shoulder.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

The action or process of entering data on a computer or touchscreen by touching the screen.

Synonyms

clicking, pressing, touching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tapping

Used when lightly hitting or touching something repeatedly with a quick motion. Often used for interacting with touchscreens or small objects.

  • She was tapping her fingers on the table impatiently.
  • He kept tapping on his phone screen to open the app.
touching

Used when making contact with something gently, often with a light and brief contact. Does not imply repetition.

  • She was touching the fabric to feel its texture.
  • He lightly touched her shoulder to get her attention.
pressing

Used when applying pressure to something, often with a deliberate and sustained effort. Can imply a stronger and more intentional action than tapping or clicking.

  • He was pressing the doorbell repeatedly.
  • She pressed the buttons on the remote control to change the channel.
clicking

Commonly used for pressing and releasing a button on a mouse or similar device. Also used for the sound made by such actions.

  • Please click on the link to open the website.
  • I heard a clicking sound coming from the computer.

Examples of usage

  • The tapping on the smartphone screen was fast and accurate.
  • She found it easier to navigate the app using tapping rather than typing.
Context #3 | Noun

drilling

The process of cutting internal threads in a hole using a tool called a tap.

Synonyms

cutting, forming, threading.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tapping

Used when referring to the process of cutting internal threads in a material, usually metal, with a tap.

  • The machinist was tapping the hole to prepare for the screw insertion
  • Tapping is a crucial step in creating threaded holes for assembly
threading

Refers to creating a helical groove on the external or internal surface of a material, usually for the purpose of screwing or fastening components together.

  • He was threading the bolt to ensure it would fit into the nut properly
  • Proper threading is essential for secure mechanical connections
cutting

Used in a general context for separating or shaping materials using tools such as saws, knives, or other sharp instruments.

  • She was cutting the fabric to make a dress
  • Cutting metal requires precision and the right tools
forming

Refers to shaping or molding materials, usually metals, to create a desired shape using processes like bending, extruding, or stamping.

  • The metal worker was forming the sheet into a curved panel
  • Forming processes are essential in manufacturing complex components

Examples of usage

  • The tapping of threads in the metal piece was done with precision.
  • He had to learn the art of tapping in his engineering class.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Music

  • In music, tapping is a technique used on string instruments to create quick melodies by using fingers to strike the strings.
  • Drummers often use a tapping rhythm to practice timing and coordination, helping them keep a steady beat.

Cultural Practices

  • Tapping is commonly used in dance, such as in tap dance, where dancers create rhythms by tapping their feet on the floor.
  • In some cultures, tapping on tables or surfaces is a form of communication indicating agreement or celebration.

Psychology

  • The concept of tapping is utilized in techniques like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), where light tapping on certain points is believed to reduce anxiety.
  • Rhythmic tapping has been shown to enhance focus and concentration during tasks, as it can help to ground and center individuals.

Technology

  • In touch screen technology, tapping refers to the action of touching the screen to select an item or execute a command.
  • Tapping has revolutionized how we interact with devices, making it easier to navigate apps and websites with a simple touch.

Sports

  • In sports like basketball, tapping the ball is a common drill for improving hand-eye coordination and ball control.
  • Tapping is also a technique used in martial arts, where practitioners lightly tap opponents to practice moves without causing injury.

Origin of 'tapping'

The word 'tapping' has its origins from the Old English word 'tรฆppian', which meant 'to strike'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings related to hitting, touching, or producing sounds through repeated actions. In modern usage, 'tapping' is commonly associated with gentle hitting to produce sound or enter data on electronic devices.

See also: tap, tape, untapped.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,304, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.