net
net Lexical Profile
net Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Remaining after all deductions, such as taxes, operating expenses, or losses, have been subtracted from a total amount.
"The company's net income for the quarter exceeded analysts' expectations despite rising production costs."
Final, conclusive, or ultimate in effect, taking into account all positive and negative factors.
"The net result of the extended negotiations was a treaty that satisfied both nations."
• noun
A physical object made of open, interlaced threads, cords, or wires, primarily used for catching fish, animals, or blocking a sports goal.
"The fishermen cast their heavy net into the ocean just as the sun began to rise."
An interconnected system, such as an electronic communications grid, a radio network, or the Internet itself.
"She spent the afternoon surfing the net to find reliable sources for her academic paper."
The final amount of profit, income, or yield remaining after all business deductions and taxes have been subtracted.
"Once overhead and taxes are paid out, the net is divided equally among the founding partners."
• verb
To earn or yield a specified amount of money as a clear, final profit after all expenses and deductions have been accounted for.
"Her highly successful architectural firm netted over two million dollars last year."
To catch or capture an animal, object, or person using an interlaced mesh snare or trap.
"The biologists managed to net the injured bird carefully so they could safely transport it to the wildlife center."
To strike, kick, or drive a ball or puck into a goal during a sports match.
"The striker skillfully netted the winning goal in the final three minutes of the championship game."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Net" is technically a homograph deriving from two distinct roots: one meaning a physical mesh, and the other (used in finance and business) meaning "clear of deductions," which often serves as a noun, verb, or adjective.
• Rhymes for net
Word Origin & Etymology
Derives from two separate origins: the physical mesh comes from Old English "net" (of Germanic origin), while the financial sense comes from Middle French "net" meaning clean or clear (from Latin "nitidus" meaning shining).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.