network
/ˈnetwɜːk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈnetwɜːrk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈnet-ˌwərk/ (ame, mw) · /ˈnet.wɜːk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈnet.wɝːk/ (ame, ipa)
network — noun
- networksingular
- networksplural
1. a set of connected lines, roads, wires, or pipes that carry things such as traff
a set of connected lines, roads, wires, or pipes that carry things such as traffic, electricity, or communication signals from one place to another.
The city's rail network connects all five districts with trains running every ten minutes.
collocation: rail network
A spider's web is a natural network of silk threads built to catch insects.
The hospital uses a communication network that links every ward to the main desk.
Nia studied the network of underground pipes that supplies water to the whole town.
文法句型
network + of + noun
用法筆記
Often used with an area noun (road network, rail network, canal network) to show which kind of system is being described.
2. a group of computers and devices that are linked so that data and resources can
a group of computers and devices that are linked so that data and resources can be shared.
The office network went down after a power cut, so nobody could access their emails.
collocation: office network
Rodrigo set up a home network so his printer could work with every family laptop.
collocation: home network
A firewall protects a company network from unauthorised access by outsiders.
The school installed a wireless network so students could do research from any classroom.
文法句型
noun + network
network + of + noun
用法筆記
Can be shortened to net in informal computing contexts (company net, home net). The word internet (capital I) refers to the global network that connects smaller networks worldwide.
常見錯誤
3. the people you know, especially those who can help you with your work or career.
the people you know, especially those who can help you with your work or career.
Talia built a strong network of former colleagues who still share job leads with her.
verb + network: build a network of [people]
Having a good network of local suppliers helped Vikram's restaurant survive the crisis.
Ezra's network of contacts in publishing includes editors and literary agents.
Anong uses social media to maintain her professional network across Southeast Asia.
- contacts
more direct and practical; a contact is someone you can reach out to for a specific purpose
- connections
slightly informal; emphasises the relationships between people rather than the group itself
- circle
suggests a smaller, more personal group of friends or acquaintances
文法句型
possessive + network
network + of + people
用法筆記
Frequently modified by adjectives describing the circle (professional network, social network, personal network). A social network today often refers to an online platform (Facebook, LinkedIn), but the original meaning is simply the people you know.
常見錯誤
network — verb
- networkpresent simple I / you / we / they
- networks3rd person singular
- networking-ing form
- networkedpast simple
1. to link two or more computers or electronic devices together so they can exchang
to link two or more computers or electronic devices together so they can exchange data and share resources.
The IT team networked all the office printers so every floor could use them.
passive sense: networked + so that [purpose]
Brandon networked his laptop to the main server and began backing up his files.
pattern: network [device] to [system]
All the cash registers in the store are networked to a central computer.
The library networked its computers so students could share files between terminals.
- disconnect
to break the link between devices
文法句型
network + noun + to + noun
be networked + to/with + noun
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice because the focus is on the devices being connected, not on who connected them.
常見錯誤
2. to deliberately meet and talk with people who may be useful for your career adva
to deliberately meet and talk with people who may be useful for your career advancement or business.
Élise spent the evening networking at the tech conference, exchanging business cards with developers.
collocation: network at [event]
Young professionals often network through LinkedIn to find mentors in their field.
pattern: network through [platform]
The chamber of commerce holds monthly meetings where local business owners can network.
Zayd networked with three hiring managers at the career fair and got two interviews.
Aoi finds it easier to network in small workshops rather than in huge conference halls.
文法句型
network + with + noun
network + at + place
用法筆記
Almost always intransitive — you network with people or at events. You do not 'network someone' in this sense. The gerund networking is very common as a noun (Networking is an important skill).