Word: net (noun, adjective, verb)

Associations

The word "net" has several meanings depending on the context:

1. As a noun, "net" usually means a piece of fabric made of threads tied together in a grid, used for catching fish, sports (like a tennis net), or holding things.

   • Example: The fisherman threw the net into the sea to catch fish.
   • Example: The tennis ball hit the net and stopped.
   • Example: She hung the net on the window to keep mosquitoes out.

2. As an adjective, "net" means the amount left after all deductions (like taxes, costs) are taken away.

   • Example: His net salary is what he gets after taxes.
   • Example: The company’s net profit increased this year.
   • Example: The net weight of the package is 2 kilograms.

3. As a verb, "to net" means to catch or earn something, often money.

   • Example: The movie netted over a million dollars in profits.
   • Example: He netted three goals in the game.

Synonym difference:

• For the noun "net" (fabric), similar words are "mesh" or "web," but "net" usually refers to a tool for catching or holding.
• For the adjective "net" (amount), a synonym is "final" or "after-tax," but "net" is the standard financial term.
• For the verb "to net," synonyms like "earn" or "catch" can be used, but "net" often implies the final amount gained after expenses.

Substitution

• Noun (fabric): You can say "mesh," "web," or "trap," but "net" is most common for fishing or sports.
• Adjective (amount): You can say "final," "after-tax," or "take-home" (for salary).
• Verb (to earn): You can say "earn," "make," or "catch," depending on context.

Deconstruction

• The word "net" comes from Old English "net(t)," meaning a device made of threads for catching.
• As a financial term, "net" comes from the Latin "nitidus," meaning "clean" or "neat," which evolved to mean "cleaned of deductions."
• The verb form comes from the idea of catching something in a net.

Inquiry

• Can you think of situations where you would use "net" as a noun? What about as an adjective?
• Have you ever caught something with a net or seen one used in sports?
• How does understanding "net" as the final amount help you when you talk about money or salary?