network
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a group of people or things that are connected to each other.
n.an interconnected group or system of people or things.
Simple“The city has a large network of buses and trains that run all night.”
In context“The researchers identified a complex network of underground tunnels that had been used for transport during the medieval period.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
n.a group of computers or devices that are linked together to share information.
n.a group of two or more computer systems linked together to facilitate digital communication and resource sharing.
Simple“I couldn't print my document because the office network was down.”
In context“The security protocol requires all devices on the internal network to undergo a mandatory software update every thirty days.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a group of people who know each other and help each other with work.
n.a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest.
Simple“She has a strong professional network that helped her find a new job.”
In context“Building a diverse professional network is often more effective for career advancement than simply applying for advertised positions.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to talk to people who might be useful to know for your job or career.
v.to interact with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
Simple“Conferences are a great place to network with other people in your industry.”
In context“The evening gala provided a relaxed environment for junior associates to network with senior partners from across the region.”
UsageThe verb is usually intransitive and often used at conferences or business events.
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to connect computers or devices so they can share information.
v.to link computers or other electronic devices together to form a system.
Simple“We need to network all the computers in the new office before Monday.”
In context“The IT department spent the weekend networking the new laboratory equipment to the central server to allow for real-time data analysis.”
Antonyms
Usage network of friends · communication network · complex network
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *neHd- Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Germanic *natją Proto-West Germanic *nati Old English nett Middle English net English net Proto-Indo-European *werǵ- Proto-Indo-European *-om Proto-Indo-European *wérǵom Proto-Germanic *werką Proto-West Germanic *werk Old English weorc Middle English werk English work English network From net + work; the nonliteral sense and its subsenses are extended from the literal sense; they are now the dominant senses. Cognate with German Netzwerk.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.