networking
C1Neutral to formal. Common in business, technology, and social contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The act or process of interacting with other people to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
The action or process of connecting computing devices, systems, or services to allow them to communicate and share resources.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a non-count noun referring to the activity. The verb form is 'to network'. Can refer to a physical infrastructure (computers) or a social/strategic activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Both use the term identically in social and technical contexts.
Connotations
Generally neutral/positive in business. Sometimes carries a slightly negative connotation of insincerity or calculated social climbing in informal contexts in both regions.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
do some networkingbe good at networkingnetworking with [people/colleagues]networking for [a job/opportunities]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not what you know, it's who you know. (Related concept)”
- “To work the room.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Crucial for career development, sales, and partnerships. E.g., 'Attend the conference for networking.'
Academic
Refers to collaborative research connections or computer network infrastructure.
Everyday
Often refers to using social media platforms (social networking) or making friends.
Technical
The design, implementation, and management of computer networks and systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She spent the evening networking with potential investors.
- You need to network more effectively to find a new role.
American English
- He's out networking at the industry mixer.
- A key part of her job is to network with clients.
adverb
British English
- (Rare; typically not used)
American English
- (Rare; typically not used)
adjective
British English
- The networking lunch was very productive.
- She has excellent networking abilities.
American English
- Bring plenty of networking cards to the convention.
- Join a networking group in your field.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He uses the internet for social networking.
- We learned about computer networking in class.
- Networking is important for finding a good job.
- I met her at a business networking event.
- She attributes her career success to strategic professional networking.
- The software facilitates seamless networking between different office locations.
- His adept networking within the industry circles garnered him several lucrative consultancy offers.
- The symposium provided an unparalleled opportunity for interdisciplinary networking among leading researchers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a literal NET made of people WORKING together and INTERCONNECTING.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL/BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS ARE A NETWORK (OF CONNECTIONS/NODES).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'нетворкинг' in formal Russian writing; use 'установление деловых связей' or 'нетворкинг' (informal business).
- Do not confuse with 'сетевое взаимодействие' (computer networking only).
Common Mistakes
- Using as a countable noun (*'I went to a networking'). Correct: 'I went to a networking event.' or 'I did some networking.'
- Confusing social vs. technical meanings without context.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'networking' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is context-dependent. In professional/technical contexts, it's neutral/positive. Informally, it can imply superficial, self-serving social interaction.
'Social networking' is the activity of building social networks. 'Social media' are the platforms (Facebook, X) used for this activity.
Yes. The verb is 'to network' (past tense: networked). E.g., 'She networked aggressively at the summit.'
Yes. In IT, it refers specifically to connecting computers and devices, not people. E.g., 'a networking cable', 'networking protocols'.
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