Dictionary monolingual
English

Tap

tæp
Very common
~ 2800
~ 2800
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Tap -

To strike lightly

Example: She tapped her fingers on the table impatiently.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversation
Note: Can indicate impatience or nervousness.

To draw liquid from a container

Example: He tapped the keg to pour himself a beer.
Usage: informalContext: social gatherings
Note: Commonly used in informal settings like parties.

To make a connection to a resource or information

Example: I tapped into my network to find a job.
Usage: formalContext: professional environments
Note: Often used in business or networking contexts.

To touch a device or screen lightly to operate it

Example: She tapped the screen to open the app.
Usage: informalContext: technology-related interactions
Note: Common in the context of smartphones and tablets.

Tap's synonyms

Faucet

A device for controlling the flow of liquid from a pipe or container.
Example: Please turn off the faucet when you're done washing your hands.
Note: Faucet is commonly used in American English, while tap is more common in British English.

Spigot

A small peg or plug for stopping the vent of a cask.
Example: The spigot on the barrel was leaking, so we had to fix it.
Note: Spigot is often used to refer to a device used to control the flow of liquid from a container, similar to a tap.

Valve

A device for controlling the passage of fluid through a pipe or duct.
Example: Make sure to close the valve tightly to prevent any leaks.
Note: Valve is a more technical term often used in the context of machinery or plumbing systems.

Stopcock

A type of valve used to control the flow of liquid or gas.
Example: The plumber had to replace the stopcock in the kitchen sink.
Note: Stopcock is a more specific term for a type of valve, often used in plumbing.

Tap expressions, common phrases

Tap into

To access or make use of a resource or reserve.
Example: She tried to tap into her creativity for the project.
Note: The original word 'tap' means to strike or make a light, quick blow.

Tap out

To surrender or give up, especially in a competition or physical activity.
Example: He tapped out after running for an hour.
Note: The original word 'tap' means to strike lightly.

Tap away

To work steadily on something by tapping or typing.
Example: She tapped away at her keyboard to finish the report on time.
Note: The original word 'tap' means to strike lightly.

Tap dance around

To avoid discussing or dealing with something openly.
Example: He tap danced around the issue instead of addressing it directly.
Note: The original word 'tap' means to strike lightly.

On tap

Readily available or accessible, usually referring to drinks or resources.
Example: We have a variety of beers on tap at the bar.
Note: The original word 'tap' means to strike lightly.

Tap into something

To access or make use of a specific resource or opportunity.
Example: The company hopes to tap into the new market segment.
Note: The original word 'tap' means to strike lightly.

Tap the brakes

To slow down or take a more cautious approach.
Example: Let's tap the brakes on this project and reevaluate our strategy.
Note: The original word 'tap' means to strike lightly.

Tap everyday (slang) expressions

Tap someone up

To contact or message someone.
Example: I'll tap you up later about the party details.
Note: In this context, 'tap' is used informally to mean 'get in touch or contact,' diverging from its typical meaning of lightly touching something.

Tap that

To express a desire to have a sexual encounter with someone.
Example: Did you see Sarah? I'd totally tap that.
Note: 'Tap that' is a slang expression for engaging in sexual activity, contrasting with the common usage of 'tap' as a light touch or hit.

Tap on someone

To seek someone's help, advice, or expertise.
Example: I think we should tap on Tom's expertise for this project.
Note: Here, 'tap' is used figuratively to mean utilizing or requesting someone's skills or knowledge, different from its literal meaning of a light touch or strike.

Tap - Examples

I need to fix the tap in the bathroom.
He tapped his foot impatiently.
The bartender poured me a beer from the tap.

Tap grammar

Tap - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: tap
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): taps
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): tap
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): tapped
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): tapping
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): taps
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): tap
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): tap
Syllables, Separation and Stress
tap Contains 1 syllables: tap
Phonetic transcription: ˈtap
tap , ˈtap (The red syllable is stressed)

Tap - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
tap: ~ 2800 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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