What is web? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of web

webnoun

/wɛb/
Definition & pronunciation of web

The word "web" in English is pronounced "wevb".

Here's a breakdown:

  • "we" is pronounced like the word "we" (as in "we are").
  • "b" is pronounced as a soft "b," almost like a "v" sound.

You can hear it pronounced here: https://www.pronouncewords.com/web/

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Usage and examples with the word web in English

Let's break down how to use the word "web" in English. It has several different meanings and uses – it's surprisingly versatile! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. The Internet – The Most Common Use

  • As a noun: This is by far the most frequent way "web" is used. It refers to the system of interconnected computer networks that make up the internet.
    • Example: "I need to check my email on the web."
    • Example: "The company’s presence on the web is crucial for their success."
    • Example: “She browsed the web for hours looking for information.”

2. A Network of Connections (Figurative)

  • As a noun: "Web" can describe a network of relationships, connections, or dependencies – not just digital ones.
    • Example: "There's a web of deceit surrounding the scandal." (a network of lies)
    • Example: "He was caught in a web of lies." (trapped by those lies)
    • Example: “A web of family connections helped him get the job.” (a network of people he knew)

3. Spider’s Web – Literal Meaning

  • As a noun: It refers to the intricate structure of a spider's web.
    • Example: “The dew clung to the strands of the spider’s web.”
    • Example: “She carefully removed the web from the window.”

4. "Catching" or Being Caught in a Web

  • As a verb (phrasal verb): "To catch" or "to be caught in a web" means to be entangled or trapped in a difficult situation or complex network.
    • Example: "He was caught in a web of debt."
    • Example: “She felt like she was caught in a web of obligations."

5. "Webbing" – The Act of Creating a Network

  • As a verb: "Webbing" means to create or expand a network of connections.
    • Example: “The company is webbing its influence across several industries.”
    • Example: “He’s been webbing connections at conferences.”

6. (Less Common) "Webbed" – Describing Something with Webs

  • As an adjective: Describes something that has webs. (Usually referring to animals)
    • Example: “The ducklings had webbed feet for swimming.”

Here’s a table summarizing the different uses:

Use Part of Speech Meaning Example
Internet Noun The Internet, online networks "Let's look it up on the web."
Connections Noun A network of relationships "There’s a web of rumors about him."
Spider’s Web Noun A spider's intricate web “The spider spun a beautiful web.”
Caught Verb (Phrasal) To be trapped in a difficult situation “He was caught in a web of lies.”
Creating Verb To create a network of connections “The company is webbing its partnerships.”
Webbed Adjective Having webs “The duck’s webbed feet helped it swim.”

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

  • What kind of context are you using “web” in? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, having a conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word web

Practice with vocabulary web

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many businesses now rely heavily on their online presence to reach a global audience via the ______.
  2. The detective uncovered a tangled ______ of deceit and corruption within the organization.
  3. Establishing a secure and reliable computer ______ is crucial for any modern office.
  4. The social media ______ provides users with tools for sharing content and connecting with friends.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The term "World Wide Web" primarily refers to: a) The global physical infrastructure of the internet. b) A system of interlinked hypertext documents and other resources accessible via the Internet. c) A proprietary software developed by Google. d) A type of online communication protocol.

  2. A complex and intricate structure of interconnected elements, often difficult to navigate, can be described as a: a) web b) string c) chain d) thread

  3. In the context of a spider, which of the following is constructed to catch insects? a) net b) web c) cocoon d) lair

  4. Which of these words best describes a group of interconnected computers or devices that can share data and resources? a) circuit b) grid c) network d) channel

  5. What is a common term for a specific location on the internet where a person or organization maintains a collection of pages? a) Application b) Server c) Site d) Program

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's digital presence is now its primary channel for customer engagement. (Rewrite using a form of "web")
  2. The detective discovered a complicated series of connections between the suspects. (Rewrite using "web")
  3. The organization has established a wide-ranging system for sharing resources and knowledge among its members. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "web")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. web
  2. web
  3. network
  4. platform

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) A system of interlinked hypertext documents and other resources accessible via the Internet.
  2. a) web
  3. b) web
  4. c) network
  5. c) Site

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company heavily relies on its web presence for primary customer engagement.
  2. The detective discovered a complicated web of connections between the suspects.
  3. The organization has established a wide-ranging network for sharing resources and knowledge among its members.

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