internet/internet
internet/internet
Pronunciation
Internet
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /ˈɪn.tər.nɛt/ or /ˈɪn.tər.ˌnɛt/
Common Pronunciation 1 (3 syllables): /ˈɪn.tər.nɛt/
Syllable 1: /ɪn/
/ɪ/ as in "sit" (short high front unrounded vowel)
/n/ as in "no" (voiced alveolar nasal)
Syllable 2: /tər/ (or /tə/ in some rapid speech, followed by syllabic /r/)
/t/ as in "top" (voiceless alveolar stop)
/ər/ as in "butter" (schwa + r-colored vowel)
Syllable 3: /nɛt/
/n/ as in "no" (voiced alveolar nasal)
/ɛ/ as in "bed" (short mid front unrounded vowel)
/t/ as in "top" (voiceless alveolar stop)
Common Pronunciation 2 (with secondary stress on "net"): /ˈɪn.tər.ˌnɛt/
Syllable breakdown is the same, but with stronger emphasis on the final syllable.
Word Form Variations
Internet" primarily functions as a noun. While it can be used attributively (like an adjective, e.g., "Internet cafe"), it does not have standard verb, adverb, or adjective conjugations in the way other words do.
Noun:
Singular: Internet (often capitalized as a proper noun referring to the global network)
Plural: Internets (informal/jocular, referring to different networks or the concept in a generalized way, e.g., "the wilds of the internets")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A global, interconnected computer network that uses standard communication protocols (TCP/IP) to link billions of devices worldwide. It facilitates a vast range of information and communication services, including the World Wide Web, email, instant messaging, and file sharing.
Synonyms: the Web, cyberspace, online network, information highway (dated)
Antonyms: offline, disconnected (referring to a state of not being on the Internet)
(Figurative, informal) The collective realm of online activity, content, and culture; the virtual world created and experienced through this network.
Synonyms: online world, digital realm, virtual space, cyberspace
Antonyms: real world, physical world, offline life
(Rare, historical, informal) Any computer network, especially a wide area network, that connects multiple smaller networks. (This meaning is largely superseded by Definition 1 for "Internet" but is relevant to its etymological origin of "inter-network.")
Synonyms: network, wide area network (WAN), global network
Antonyms: local area network (LAN)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The novel explores a dystopian future where the Internet has become the sole source of all information, controlled by a single corporation." (From a fictional novel, generic example, e.g., similar themes in 1984 but with modern tech)
"Chapter 4 delves into the early development of the ARPANET and its evolution into the global Internet we know today." (From a non-fiction book on technology history, generic example, e.g., Where Wizards Stay Up Late by Katie Hafner & Matthew Lyon)
Newspapers:
"Local businesses are being urged to expand their presence on the Internet to reach a wider customer base." (From a business section, generic example)
"Concerns grow over the spread of misinformation across the Internet ahead of the upcoming elections." (From a national or international news report, generic example)
Online Publications:
"How the Internet has revolutionized remote work and global collaboration." (From a business or technology blog, e.g., Forbes.com)
"The best free resources on the Internet for learning a new language." (From an educational or lifestyle website, e.g., Lifehacker.com)
"A deep dive into the hidden corners of the Internet where fringe communities thrive." (From a long-form journalism site, e.g., The Atlantic Online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I need to hack into the Internet to find his location before it's too late!" (Dialogue from an action/thriller movie, generic example)
Television Series: "Our show explores how the Internet has reshaped dating, friendships, and even crime." (From a documentary series or drama, generic example, e.g., Black Mirror)
Music (Song Lyrics): "Found my true love on the Internet, can't believe it's real yet!" (From a modern pop song, generic example)
Video Games: "Connect to the Internet to access multiplayer mode and global leaderboards." (In-game instruction or menu option, e.g., Call of Duty)
Podcasts: "Today's episode discusses the impact of the Internet on traditional media consumption habits." (From a media studies or technology podcast, generic example)
General Public Discourse:
"My Internet is really slow today, I can barely stream anything." (Common complaint)
"Did you see that funny video trending on the Internet last night?" (Common casual conversation)
"You can find almost anything you need to know on the Internet." (Common expression of its vastness)
"He spends most of his free time just Browse the Internet." (Common description of leisure activity)
"Make sure you use strong passwords to protect your privacy on the Internet." (Common advice)
10 Famous Quotes Using Internet/Internet
"The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village." - Bill Gates
"On the Internet, nobody knows you're a dog." - Peter Steiner (Famous cartoon caption from The New Yorker)
"The Internet is a global forum for the exchange of ideas and information." - Al Gore (Often associated with his role in promoting the Internet)
"The Internet is the first thing that humanity has built that humanity doesn't understand, the largest experiment in anarchy that we have ever had." - Eric Schmidt (Former Google CEO)
"The Internet has been a major force for freedom and democratization." - Václav Havel (Former President of Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic)
"The Internet is a gold mine of misinformation and a diamond mine of true information." (Lesser-known, reflective quote)
"Information wants to be free." - Stewart Brand (Associated with the early spirit of the Internet, though not explicitly using the word)
"My life changed when I got on the Internet." (Original quote, common sentiment)
"The Internet is a vast wasteland of human suffering and despair." (Lesser-known, cynical view)
"The Internet is a mirror. It reflects what we put into it." (Original quote, metaphorical)
Etymology
The word "Internet" is a modern word, relatively speaking, but its roots are quite logical. It's a shortened form of "internetwork," which literally means a network that connects between (inter-) other networks.
Let's break it down:
Inter-: This prefix comes from Latin, meaning "between," "among," or "together." You see it in words like "international" (between nations) or "interact" (act among each other).
Network: This part comes from Old English "net" (referring to a woven mesh) and "work." It evolved to mean any complex, interconnected system, and by the early 20th century, it was used for broadcasting systems and, later, computer systems.
So, the concept of "internetwork" was used in computer science to describe a system composed of two or more interconnected networks.
The term "Internet" (often capitalized to refer to the specific global network) first appeared as a shorthand for "internetwork" in the 1970s, specifically around 1974. It was used in technical papers, notably by Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn, who were key figures in developing the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) – the fundamental rules that allow different computer networks to communicate.
Thus, the first known meaning of "Internet" was a computer network that connected several smaller, independent networks together. This "network of networks" idea is precisely what makes up the global Internet we use today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Internet/Internet
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "Internet," supplemented as needed:
Go on the Internet: To access or use the Internet.
Surf the Internet: To browse various websites on the Internet.
Internet of Things (IoT): A network of physical objects embedded with sensors and software for connecting and exchanging data over the Internet.
Internet troll: Someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community.
The dark Internet / Dark Web: A part of the Internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires specific software to access, often associated with illicit activities.
Break the Internet: To become overwhelmingly popular or cause a massive stir online, sometimes causing technical issues due to traffic.
Internet sensation: A person, video, or thing that becomes extremely popular and widely discussed online.
Live on the Internet: To be available or present online.
Connected to the web: Linked to the Internet. (Uses a synonym, "web")
The digital highway: A metaphorical term for the vast network of information accessible online. (Older synonym)
Online presence: The overall impact and visibility of an individual or business on the Internet. (Original phrase, emphasizing reach)
Virtually present: Existing or participating through the Internet. (Original phrase, emphasizing digital engagement)
Go viral: To spread rapidly and widely via the Internet. (Idiom about Internet content)
Plugged into the network: Connected to the Internet. (Synonym for connection)
The global village: The world viewed as a single community linked by telecommunications, particularly the Internet. (Metaphorical phrase about Internet impact)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of internet/internet from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
