What is net? Pronunciation and usage in English

net means . Learn how to pronounce and use net through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of net

netnoun

/nɛt/
Definition & pronunciation of net

The word "net" in English is pronounced nit.

It rhymes with "bit" and "sit".

Here's a breakdown:

  • ne - sounds like "nit"
  • t - pronounced as a soft "t" (like the "t" in "tiny")

You can hear it pronounced here: https://www.merriam-Webster.com/audio/pronunciation/nit

Usage and examples with the word net in English

Let's break down how to use the word "net" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Fishing Tool (The Most Common Meaning):

  • Definition: A mesh-like structure used to catch fish.
  • Examples:
    • "The fisherman cast his net into the river."
    • "They used a large net to trap the salmon."
    • "The traditional net was handmade from hemp."

2. As a Physical Structure (Trapping or Containing):

  • Definition: A system of ropes, wires, or strings stretched across an area to catch something.
  • Examples:
    • "Net curtains" – decorative curtains that hang close to the window to create privacy.
    • "Netting" – a woven fabric used for various purposes (like gardening to protect plants).
    • "The goal was defended by a tall net." (In sports, like basketball or soccer)

3. "Net" as a Result of Subtraction (Mathematics & Finance):

  • Definition: The amount remaining after subtracting costs or expenses from income or revenue. It signifies what’s left over.
  • Examples:
    • "Net income” - The money a business or individual earns after paying all expenses. ("The company’s net profit increased this quarter.")
    • "Net worth" – Assets (what you own) minus liabilities (what you owe). ("Her net worth is over $1 million.")
    • "Net sales” - Total sales minus returns and allowances.
    • "Net loss” – Revenue is less than expenses.

4. "Net" as a Connector/Link (Figurative Usage):

  • Definition: In a figurative sense, “net” can represent a connection or network.
  • Examples:
    • “She’s part of a net of influential people.” (Meaning she's connected to a group of powerful individuals)
    • “The internet is a giant net of information.” (Meaning it's a vast network of data)

5. "Net" as a Verb (To Trap or Catch):

  • Definition: To capture something with a net.
  • Examples:
    • "The police netted the suspect." (Meaning they caught him).
    • "The swarm of bees was netted by the beekeeper."

Here’s a table summarizing the different uses:

Meaning Example
Fishing Tool “He cast his net into the lake.”
Physical Structure “The net curtains add privacy.”
Mathematical/Financial “The net profit was $10,000.”
Connector “She’s linked to a powerful net.”
Verb “The guard netted the thief.”

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted information, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "net"? (e.g., "I'm writing a story about fishing," or "I'm trying to understand financial statements.")

Synonyms for the word net

Idioms of the word net

cast your net wide
to consider a lot of different people, activities, possibilities, etc. when you are looking for something
  • It’s worth casting your net wide when applying for your first job.
slip through the net
when somebody/something slips through the net, an organization or a system fails to find them and deal with them
  • We tried to contact all former students, but one or two slipped through the net.
spread your net
to consider a wide range of possibilities or cover a large area, especially to try to find somebody/something
  • They have spread their net far and wide in the search for a new team coach.
widen the net
to consider or include a larger range of options or possibilities, especially when searching for something
  • It's time to widen the net in the search for a suitable candidate.

Practice with vocabulary net

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's _____ profit for the quarter exceeded expectations, indicating strong financial performance.
  2. Investigators used a sophisticated communication _____ to track the digital footprint of the suspects.
  3. Despite the high initial costs, the long-term environmental benefits of the project are a significant _____ positive.
  4. The organization reported a significant financial _____ from the charity gala, exceeding previous years' results.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following describes the final profit after all expenses have been deducted? a) gross income b) residual earnings c) net profit d) total revenue
  2. The cybersecurity firm aims to catch malicious software by casting a wide digital _____. a) trap b) web c) snare d) net
  3. What action describes successfully achieving or securing something significant, like a large profit or a major client? a) gather b) collect c) net d) accumulate
  4. Which term refers to a complex system of interconnected components designed for communication or distribution? a) network b) grid c) circuit d) matrix
  5. What word describes the total or overall amount of something before any deductions or expenses are considered? a) gross b) aggregate c) sum d) full

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: After all costs were subtracted, the company's actual earnings for the year were quite impressive. Rewrite:
  2. Original: The authorities established an extensive system of checkpoints to prevent any suspects from escaping the area. Rewrite:
  3. Original: The organization's interconnected structure facilitated rapid information exchange among its departments. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. net
  2. network
  3. net
  4. gain

Exercise 2:

  1. c) net profit
  2. b) web, d) net
  3. c) net
  4. a) network
  5. a) gross, b) aggregate

Exercise 3:

  1. The company's net earnings for the year were quite impressive.
  2. The authorities cast a wide net of checkpoints to prevent any suspects from escaping the area.
  3. The organization's interconnected network facilitated rapid information exchange among its departments.

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