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Network

NET-wurk /ˈnɛtwɜːrk/

nounverbB1TOEFL

GeneralTechnical

(noun) An interconnected system of things or people; (verb) To connect or operate with a network.

As a noun, it can refer to physical connections (e.g., computer network) or social connections (e.g., professional network). As a verb, it implies establishing connections.

The story behind the word. The word 'network' is a compound of 'net' and 'work'. 'Net' comes from Old English 'nett', referring to an open-meshed fabric for catching things. 'Work' comes from Old English 'weorc', meaning 'something done'. So, a 'network' originally referred to a 'net-like structure' or 'work of nets', evolving to describe interconnected systems, much like threads in a net.

Word relationships

System: Broader, can refer to any organized set of components, not necessarily interconnected.
Web: Often implies a complex, intricate, and sometimes confusing set of connections.
Grid: Suggests a more structured, often rectangular, arrangement of connections.

Isolate: To separate from others.
Disconnect: To break a connection.

Commonly confused with

Platform: A 'network' is the underlying interconnected system; a 'platform' is a system that allows users to create, share, or interact.

Word family

networking (noun): The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
networked (adj): Connected to or operating with a network.

Collocations

social network
computer network
neural network
network administrator
network security

Idioms & expressions

cast a wide net (related to the 'net' part)

Example sentences

"The company's entire computer `network` went down, causing widespread disruptions." Referring to computer systems.
"Attending industry conferences is a great way to `network` with peers and potential collaborators." Describing social connections.
"The brain is an incredibly complex `network` of neurons." In a biological context.

Memory hook

Think of a fishing `net` that `works` by connecting many threads to catch things. A `network` connects many points to share information. Net of connections

When not to use

Avoid using 'network' as a verb when a simpler verb like 'connect' or 'link' would suffice, unless the context specifically implies forming a broader system of connections.

Fun facts

The term 'social network' predates the internet, referring to human relationships, but gained new meaning with online platforms.
Early computer networks were often called 'ARPANET', the precursor to the internet.