Net Meaning and Definition
Net
Pronunciation
/nɛt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A net is a mesh of threads or wires that is woven or knotted together to form a web or a bag-like structure, often used for catching or holding objects, or for protection against environmental elements.
Examples
1. “The fisherman used a net to catch the day’s catch.”
2. “The volleyball net was set up for the tournament.”
Synonyms
1. Mesh
2. Web
3. Bag
Antonyms
1. Solid object
2. Wall
Additional Information
Common materials used to make nets include cotton, nylon, and metal wires, with various weaving techniques resulting in different types of nets, such as fishing nets, volleyball nets, and shower curtains.
Nets have been used throughout history for various purposes, including hunting, fishing, and sports, with examples of ancient civilizations utilizing nets for these activities found in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts.
Today, nets are used in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and recreation, with the development of advanced weaving techniques and materials expanding their functionality and applications.
The modern net has also become a common sight in urban environments, with examples including tennis nets, badminton nets, and sports stadiums with retractable roofs, all utilizing advanced netting technologies for optimal performance and durability.
Etymology
The word “net” originates from the Old English word “netc”, which referred to a woven bag or a fishing net.
Usage Notes
The word “net” is often used in contexts such as sports, fishing, and construction, with its meaning varying slightly depending on the context.
Cultural References
The word “net” appears in various popular culture references, such as the famous Spider-Man’s web-shooters and the English football term “net result”, which refers to the overall outcome of a match.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions involving the word “net” include “in a nutshell” (meaning a concise summary) and “net result” (meaning the overall outcome of a situation).
Collocations
Common word combinations with the word “net” include “fishing net”, “volleyball net”, and “shower net”, highlighting the versatility of the term in various contexts.
Frequency of Use
The word “net” is a moderately common term in modern language, used in contexts such as sports, fishing, and construction, with its usage frequency varying depending on the specific context.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the word “net” include “net” misspelled as “nete” or “nete”, likely due to confusion with other related words such as “nettle” or “netti”.