What is contact? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of contact in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of contact

contactnoun
sự liên lạc, sự giao thiệp, tiếp xúc
/ˈkɒntakt/

Definition & pronunciation of <strong>contact</strong>

Where does the word contact come from?

The word "contact" has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. It originates from the Old French word "contrat," which means "an arrangement" or "an agreement." This Old French word is derived from the Latin phrase "contrare," meaning "to turn against" or "to turn away." In the context of human relationships, the Latin phrase referred to the act of turning away or diverting one's attention from someone else. During the Middle English period, the term "contact" emerged as a noun, referring to the act of touching or coming into physical or emotional connection with something or someone. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the sense of communication or connection between people, ideas, or objects. Today, "contact" encompasses a wide range of meanings, from physical touch to electronic communication and beyond.

Vocabulary summary contact

type noun

meaning touch, contact

example our troops are in contact with the enemy

example point of contact

meaning (math) contact

meaning (electricity) contact; contact piece; switch (also) contact piece

example to break contact

type transitive verb

meaning to contact with, to come into contact with

example our troops are in contact with the enemy

example point of contact

Example of vocabulary contactact of communicating

the act of communicating with somebody, especially regularly

I don't have much contact with my uncle.
We've been unable to establish radio contact with the pilot.
She's lost contact with (= no longer sees or writes to) her son.
I finally made contact with (= succeeded in speaking to or meeting) her in Paris.
There is little contact between the two organizations.

Example of vocabulary contactmeeting somebody/something

the state of meeting somebody or having to deal with something

She always avoided contact with the press.
He'd prefer a job where he doesn't have to be in direct contact with the public.
In her job she often comes into contact with (= meets) lawyers.
Children should be brought into contact with poetry at an early age.

Example of vocabulary contactrelationship

an occasion on which you meet or communicate with somebody; a relationship with somebody

Even the US, which has no embassy there, is beginning to forge contacts.
We have good contacts with the local community.
The company has maintained trade contacts with India.

Example of vocabulary contactperson

a person that you know, especially somebody who can be helpful to you in your work

social/personal contacts
I've made some useful contacts in journalism.
She has several contacts in New York.
He has a contact at the White House.

Example of vocabulary contacttouching somebody/something

the state of touching something

a fear of physical contact
The disease is spread by contact.
infections transmitted through sexual contact
His fingers were briefly in contact with the ball.
This substance should not come into contact with food.

Example of vocabulary contactelectrical

an electrical connection

The switches close the contacts and complete the circuit.

Example of vocabulary contactfor eyes

a contact lens (= a small round piece of thin plastic that you put on your eye to help you see better)

Example of vocabulary contactmedical

a person who has recently been near to somebody with a contagious disease and so might have caught the infection from them

Synonyms and related words for contact

Idioms of vocabulary contact

point of contact

a place where you go or a person that you speak to when you are dealing with an organization

The receptionist is the first point of contact most people have with the clinic.

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