network
HighNeutral (used in both formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A system of interconnected things or people, such as computers, roads, or individuals with shared interests.
Metaphorically, it refers to a supportive group of social or professional contacts, or a broadcasting company comprising multiple channels or stations.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Functions as both a countable noun and a verb. Can denote physical infrastructure (e.g., computer network) or abstract relationships (e.g., social network).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though 'network' in broadcasting (e.g., TV network) is slightly more prevalent in American English. The term 'old boy network' is primarily British.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'network' carries positive connotations of connectivity and efficiency in professional contexts; in computing, it is neutral.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects, with high frequency in technical, business, and everyday language.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
network with [person/group]network [computers/devices]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “old boy network”
- “network of lies”
- “network of spies”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to professional contacts or a group of affiliated companies (e.g., 'She built a strong network of clients').
Academic
Used in sociology for social structures and in computer science for technical systems (e.g., 'The study examined neural networks').
Everyday
Commonly refers to social connections or Wi-Fi/internet access (e.g., 'My home network is down').
Technical
Denotes interconnected computers, devices, or broadcasting systems (e.g., 'The network topology is star-shaped').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She often networks with alumni at university events.
- We need to network these printers to the main server.
American English
- He networks at industry conferences to find new clients.
- The IT department will network all the workstations by Friday.
adjective
British English
- Network television faces stiff competition from streaming platforms.
- They attended a network meeting for regional managers.
American English
- Network security is a top priority for the company.
- She works for a network news channel in New York.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I use a computer network at school.
- The phone network is very good in this city.
- She has a large network of friends from different countries.
- Our office network allows us to share files easily.
- The company is expanding its network of distributors across Europe.
- He improved his job prospects by networking with professionals online.
- By leveraging his extensive professional network, he secured venture capital for the startup.
- The neural network model demonstrated remarkable accuracy in image recognition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a fishing NET that WORKS to catch not fish, but connections between people or computers.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTIONS ARE NETWORKS (e.g., 'web of deceit', 'fabric of society').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Прямой перевод 'сеть' может означать как network, так и net/web, требуя уточнения контекста.
- Глагол 'to network' часто переводится описательно (например, 'устанавливать деловые связи'), а не одним словом.
- В русском 'сетевой' может относиться к сети (network) или к сетке (mesh), что иногда вызывает путаницу.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'network' as a verb without required preposition (e.g., 'I networked him' instead of 'I networked with him').
- Confusing 'network' (noun/verb) with 'networking' (gerund/noun for the activity).
- Overusing 'network' for any type of connection, even when 'web' or 'system' is more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical meaning of 'network'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can function as both a noun (e.g., 'a computer network') and a verb (e.g., 'to network with colleagues').
'Network' is the base noun or verb, while 'networking' is the gerund or noun referring to the activity of making professional or social connections (e.g., 'Networking is essential for career growth').
In American English, it is pronounced /ˈnɛtwɝk/, with a rhotic 'r' sound in the second syllable.
It is a British idiom referring to an informal system where men who attended the same prestigious schools or universities help each other in business or politics, often excluding outsiders.
Collections
Part of a collection
Technology Basics
A2 · 48 words · Everyday technology and digital devices.
Media and Communication
B1 · 50 words · Language for discussing media and communication.
Science and Technology
B1 · 47 words · Basic scientific concepts and modern technology.
Innovation
B2 · 46 words · Language of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.