Net vs. Screen — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 28, 2023
A net is a meshed fabric or structure used to catch or protect, while a screen is a flat panel or surface used for displaying images or shielding.
Difference Between Net and Screen
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A net is typically a woven or meshed structure made of intertwined threads, ropes, or wires. Its primary function is often to catch, hold, or protect objects. On the other hand, a screen, in many contexts, is a flat surface or panel that displays images or provides information.
In terms of material, nets are generally flexible and can be made of materials like nylon, cotton, or metal. They are used in various scenarios, from fishing to sports. Screens, however, are typically rigid and can be made of glass, plastic, or fabric. They are used in devices like televisions, computers, or as barriers.
The concept of a net is also prevalent in the digital realm. In this context, "net" can refer to networks, like the internet. A screen in the digital context, however, still refers to the display component of electronic devices where visuals or information is shown.
Nets often have a more physical and tangible utility, such as in sports where a tennis net divides the court or a soccer net captures the ball. Screens have a dual utility: they can serve a physical purpose, like a window screen preventing bugs from entering, or a digital purpose, displaying data.
While both nets and screens can serve protective functions, they do so in different manners. A net might protect by catching or enclosing, while a screen might protect by shielding or blocking.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Typically made of intertwined threads or wires.
Often made of glass, plastic, or fabric.
Function
Used to catch, hold, or protect objects.
Displays images or provides protection.
Context
Can refer to a physical structure or a network.
Refers to a display component or a protective barrier
Flexibility
Generally flexible.
Typically rigid.
Digital Realm
Can refer to networks like the internet.
Always refers to the display part of a device.
Compare with Definitions
Net
A means of trapping or ensnaring.
She spread out a net of rumors to catch the truth.
Screen
A flat panel displaying images or information.
She watched the movie on a large screen.
Net
An interconnected group or system.
The net of railways connected the entire country.
Screen
A protective or concealing barrier.
The window screen kept the mosquitoes out.
Net
A piece of open-meshed material made of twine, cord, or something similar, used typically for catching fish or other animals
Fishermen mending their nets
Screen
A sieve or strainer for separating lumps from powdered material.
She used a screen to sift the flour.
Net
A structure consisting of a net supported on a frame, forming the goal in games such as soccer and hockey
He turned Wilson's cross into the net
Wales did find the net in the 32nd minute
Screen
A partition providing privacy.
The screen in the restaurant allowed for private dining.
Net
A fine fabric with a very open weave
Net curtains
Screen
A movable device, especially a framed construction such as a room divider or a decorative panel, designed to divide, conceal, or protect.
Net
A means of catching someone; a trap
The search was delayed, allowing the murderers to escape the net
Screen
One that serves to protect, conceal, or divide
Security guards formed a screen around the president. A screen of evergreens afforded privacy from our neighbors.
Net
A communications or broadcasting network, especially of maritime radio
The radio net was brought to life with a mayday
Screen
A surface, as on a smartphone, television, or computer monitor, on which one can read and view electronically displayed information and images.
Net
Catch (a fish or other animal) with a net
Damage caused when netting the fish
Rabbits can be netted all the year round
Screen
A surface on which text and images are projected for display.
Net
(in sport) hit (a ball) into the net; score (a goal)
Butler netted 14 goals
Screen
The medium in which movies are shown
A star of stage and screen.
Net
Cover with a net
We fenced off a rabbit-proof area for vegetables and netted the top
Screen
A coarse sieve used for sifting out fine particles, as of sand, gravel, or coal.
Net
Acquire (a sum of money) as clear profit
He netted £2.45 million on the deal
Screen
A system for preliminary appraisal and selection of personnel as to their suitability for particular jobs.
Net
(of an amount, value, or price) remaining after the deduction of tax or other contributions
Net earnings per share rose
The camera will cost you, net of VAT, about £300
Screen
A window or door insertion of framed wire or plastic mesh used to keep out insects and permit air flow.
Net
Remaining after all factors have been taken into account; overall
The net result is the same
Screen
A body of troops or ships sent in advance of or surrounding a larger body to protect or warn of attack.
Net
An openwork fabric made of threads or cords that are woven or knotted together at regular intervals.
Screen
(Sports) A block, set with the body, that impedes the vision or movement of an opponent.
Net
A device for capturing birds, fish, or insects.
Screen
(Football) A screen pass.
Net
A barrier against flying insects.
Screen
To show or project (a movie, for example) on a screen.
Net
A mesh for holding the hair in place.
Screen
To conceal from view with a screen or something that acts like a screen
"Only a narrow line of brush and saplings screened the broad vista of the marsh" (David M. Carroll).
Net
Something that entraps; a snare.
Screen
To protect, guard, or shield
"This rose is screened from the wind with burlap" (Anne Raver).
Net
A fine mesh fabric used as curtain or dress material or as the foundation for various laces.
Screen
To provide with a screen or screens
Screen a porch.
Net
A barrier of meshwork cord or rope strung between two posts to divide a court in half, as in tennis and badminton.
Screen
To separate or sift out (fine particles of sand, for example) by means of a sieve or screen.
Net
A ball that is hit into this meshwork barrier.
Screen
To sort through and eliminate unwanted examples of (something)
A filter that screens email, preventing spam from reaching the inbox.
Net
The goal in soccer, hockey, and lacrosse.
Screen
To examine (a job applicant, for example) systematically in order to determine suitability.
Net
The cord meshwork attached to the hoop of a basket in basketball.
Screen
To test or evaluate (a student) to determine placement in an educational system or to identify specific learning needs.
Net
A meshed network of lines, figures, or fibers.
Screen
To test or examine for the presence of disease or infection
Screen blood.
Screen a patient.
Net
Or Net The internet.
Screen
To subject to genetic screening.
Net
See network.
Screen
To block the vision or movement of (an opponent) with the body.
Net
A radio, television, or telephone network.
Screen
To obscure an opponent's view of (a shot) by positioning oneself between the opponent and the shooter.
Net
(Business) A net amount, as of profit or weight.
Screen
A physical divider intended to block an area from view, or provide shelter from something dangerous.
A fire screen
Net
The main point; the essence
The net of our discussion.
Screen
A material woven from fine wires intended to block animals or large particles from passing while allowing gasses, liquids and finer particles to pass.
Net
To catch or ensnare in a net
Net fish.
Screen
A frame supporting a mesh of bars or wires used to classify fragments of stone by size, allowing the passage of fragments whose a diameter is smaller than the distance between the bars or wires.
Net
To acquire or obtain
An investment that netted a hefty profit.
A personal ad that netted a dozen responses.
Screen
(baseball) The protective netting which protects the audience from flying objects
Jones caught the foul up against the screen.
Net
To cover, protect, or surround with a net or network
"The heart [is] netted with a maze of curving blood vessels that send blood through it in swirling patterns" (Jennifer Ackerman).
Screen
(printing) A stencil upon a framed mesh through which paint is forced onto printed-on material; the frame with the mesh itself.
Net
To hit (the ball) into the net, as in volleyball.
Screen
(by analogy) Searching through a sample for a target; an act of screening
A drug screen, a genetic screen
Net
To shoot (the ball or puck) into the goal, as in soccer or hockey.
Screen
(genetics) A technique used to identify genes so as to study gene functions.
Net
To score (a goal).
Screen
Various forms or formats of information display
Net
To bring in or yield as profit.
Screen
The viewing surface or area of a movie, or moving picture or slide presentation.
Net
To clear as profit.
Screen
The informational viewing area of electronic devices, where output is displayed.
Net
Remaining after all deductions have been made, as for expenses
Net profit.
Screen
One of the individual regions of a video game, etc. divided into separate screens.
Net
Remaining after tare is deducted
Net weight.
Screen
(computer) The visualised data or imagery displayed on a computer screen.
After you turn on the computer, the login screen appears.
Net
Ultimate; final
The net result.
Screen
(figurative) A disguise; concealment.
Net
A mesh of string, cord or rope.
A hairnet; a mosquito net; a tennis net
Screen
Definitions related to standing in the path of an opposing player
Net
A device made from such mesh, used for catching fish, butterflies, etc.
Screen
(American football) screen pass
Net
A device made from such mesh, generally used for trapping something.
Screen
(basketball) An offensive tactic in which a player stands so as to block a defender from reaching a teammate.
Net
Anything that has the appearance of such a device.
Petri net
Screen
(cricket) An erection of white canvas or wood placed on the boundary opposite a batsman to make the ball more easily visible.
Net
(by extension) A trap.
Caught in the prosecuting attorney's net
Screen
(nautical) A collection of less-valuable vessels that travel with a more valuable one for the latter's protection.
Net
(geometry) Of a polyhedron, any set of polygons joined edge to edge that, when folded along the edges between adjoining polygons so that the outer edges touch, form the polyhedron.
Screen
(architecture) A dwarf wall or partition carried up to a certain height for separation and protection, as in a church, to separate the aisle from the choir, etc.
Net
A system that interconnects a number of users, locations etc. allowing transport or communication between them.
Screen
A large scarf.
Net
(electronics) A conductor that interconnects two or more component terminals.
Screen
To filter by passing through a screen.
Mary screened the beans to remove the clumps of gravel.
Net
(sports) A framework backed by a mesh, serving as the goal in hockey, soccer, lacrosse, etc.
The striker headed the ball into the net to make it 1-0.
Screen
To shelter or conceal.
Net
A mesh stretched to divide the court in tennis, badminton, volleyball, etc.
Screen
To remove information, or censor intellectual material from viewing. To hide the facts.
The news report was screened because it accused the politician of wrongdoing.
Net
The area of the court close to the net (mesh stretched to divide the court).
Screen
To present publicly (on the screen).
The news report will be screened at 11:00 tonight.
Net
The amount remaining after expenses are deducted; profit.
Screen
To fit with a screen.
We need to screen this porch. These bugs are driving me crazy.
Net
(transitive) To catch by means of a net.
Screen
(medicine) To examine patients or treat a sample in order to detect a chemical or a disease, or to assess susceptibility to a disease.
Net
To catch in a trap, or by stratagem.
Screen
(molecular biology) To search chemical libraries by means of a computational technique in order to identify chemical compounds which would potentially bind to a given biological target such as a protein.
Net
To enclose or cover with a net.
To net a tree
Screen
(basketball) To stand so as to block a defender from reaching a teammate.
Net
To score (a goal).
Evans netted the winner in the 80th minute.
Screen
To determine the source or subject matter of a call before deciding whether to answer the phone.
Net
(tennis) To hit the ball into the net.
Screen
Anything that separates or cuts off inconvenience, injury, or danger; that which shelters or conceals from view; a shield or protection; as, a fire screen.
Your leavy screens throw down.
Some ambitious men seem as screens to princes in matters of danger and envy.
Net
To form a netting or network; to knit.
Screen
A dwarf wall or partition carried up to a certain height for separation and protection, as in a church, to separate the aisle from the choir, or the like.
Net
(transitive) To receive as profit.
The company nets $30 on every sale.
Screen
A surface, as that afforded by a curtain, sheet, wall, etc., upon which an image, as a picture, is thrown by a magic lantern, solar microscope, etc.
Net
(transitive) To yield as profit for.
The scam netted the criminals $30,000.
Screen
A long, coarse riddle or sieve, sometimes a revolving perforated cylinder, used to separate the coarser from the finer parts, as of coal, sand, gravel, and the like.
Net
To fully hedge a position.
Every party is netting their position with a counter-party
Screen
An erection of white canvas or wood placed on the boundary opposite a batsman to enable him to see ball better.
Net
(obsolete) Good, desirable; clean, decent, clear.
Screen
A netting, usu. of metal, contained in a frame, used mostly in windows or doors to allow in fresh air while excluding insects.
Net
Free from extraneous substances; pure; unadulterated; neat.
Net wine
Screen
The surface of an electronic device, as a television set or computer monitor, on which a visible image is formed. The screen is frequently the surface of a cathode-ray tube containing phosphors excited by the electron beam, but other methods for causing an image to appear on the screen are also used, as in flat-panel displays.
Net
Remaining after expenses or deductions.
Net profit; net weight
Screen
The motion-picture industry; motion pictures.
Net
Final; end.
Net result; net conclusion
Screen
To provide with a shelter or means of concealment; to separate or cut off from inconvenience, injury, or danger; to shelter; to protect; to protect by hiding; to conceal; as, fruits screened from cold winds by a forest or hill.
They were encouraged and screened by some who were in high commands.
Net
After expenses or deductions.
You'll have $5000 net.
Screen
To pass, as coal, gravel, ashes, etc., through a screen in order to separate the coarse from the fine, or the worthless from the valuable; to sift.
Net
A fabric of twine, thread, or the like, wrought or woven into meshes, and used for catching fish, birds, butterflies, etc.
Screen
To examine a group of objects methodically, to separate them into groups or to select one or more for some purpose.
Net
Anything designed or fitted to entrap or catch; a snare; any device for catching and holding.
A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet.
In the church's net there are fishes good or bad.
Screen
A white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing
Net
Anything wrought or woven in meshes; as, a net for the hair; a mosquito net; a tennis net.
Screen
Something that keeps things out or hinders sight;
They had just moved in and had not put up blinds yet
Net
A figure made up of a large number of straight lines or curves, which are connected at certain points and related to each other by some specified law.
Screen
Display on the surface of the large end of a cathode-ray tube on which is electronically created
Net
A network.
Screen
A covering that serves to conceal or shelter something;
They crouched behind the screen
Under cover of darkness
Net
The internet; - usually the net; as, I found it on the net.
Screen
Protective covering consisting of a metallic netting mounted in a frame and covering windows or doors (especially for protection against insects)
Net
To make into a net; to make in the style of network; as, to net silk.
Screen
A strainer for separating lumps from powdered material or grading particles
Net
To take in a net; to capture by stratagem or wile.
And now I am here, netted and in the toils.
Screen
A door that is a screen to keep insects from entering a building through the open door;
He heard the screen slam as she left
Net
To inclose or cover with a net; as, to net a tree.
Screen
Partition consisting of a decorative frame or panel that serves to divide a space
Net
To form network or netting; to knit.
Screen
Test or examine for the presence of disease or infection;
Screen the blood for the HIV virus
Net
To produce or gain as clear profit; as, he netted a thousand dollars by the operation.
Screen
Examine methodically;
Screen the suitcases
Net
Without spot; pure; shining.
Her breast all naked as net ivory.
Screen
Examine in order to test suitability;
Screen these samples
Screen the job applicants
Net
Free from extraneous substances; pure; unadulterated; neat; as, net wine, etc.
Screen
Project onto a screen for viewing;
Screen a film
Net
Not including superfluous, incidental, or foreign matter, as boxes, coverings, wraps, etc.; free from charges, deductions, etc; as, net profit; net income; net weight, etc.
Screen
Prevent from entering;
Block out the strong sunlight
Net
A computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
Screen
Separate with a riddle, as grain from chaff
Net
A trap made of netting to catch fish or birds or insects
Screen
Protect, hide, or conceal from danger or harm
Net
The excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)
Screen
A process of evaluating or filtering.
The HR did a screen of all applicants.
Net
A goal lined with netting (as in soccer or hockey)
Net
Game equipment consisting of a strip of netting dividing the playing area in tennis or badminton
Net
An open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals
Net
Make as a net profit;
The company cleared $1 million
Net
Yield as a net profit;
This sale netted me $1 million
Net
Construct or form a web, as if by weaving
Net
Catch with a net;
Net a fish
Net
Remaining after all deductions;
Net profit
Net
Conclusive in a process or progression;
The final answer
A last resort
The net result
Net
A meshed fabric or structure used to catch or protect.
The fisherman cast his net into the sea.
Net
The amount remaining after deductions.
His net income after taxes was substantial.
Net
A goal structure in sports.
The soccer ball zoomed into the net.
Common Curiosities
In financial terms, what does "net" refer to?
In finance, "net" refers to the amount remaining after deductions.
What's the purpose of a screen in windows?
A window screen primarily prevents bugs from entering while allowing airflow.
Is a cinema display referred to as a screen?
Yes, the display in a cinema where movies are projected is called a screen.
Do all sports use nets?
No, only specific sports like tennis, soccer, and volleyball use nets.
Can the word screen refer to a part of an electronic device?
Yes, a screen can refer to the display part of devices like TVs and computers.
Is a computer screen touch-sensitive?
Some computer screens are touch-sensitive, but not all.
Can "net" mean an interconnected system?
Yes, "net" can refer to an interconnected group or system, like a network.
What's a primary use of a net?
A primary use of a net is to catch or protect objects.
Are nets always made of soft materials?
No, nets can be made of various materials, including metal wires.
Can the word net be associated with profit?
Yes, terms like "net profit" refer to the amount after all deductions are made.
Can both nets and screens serve protective functions?
Yes, nets can protect by catching or enclosing, while screens can shield or block.
Is the internet a type of net?
Yes, the internet is a type of network, often referred to as the "net."
What's the difference between a screen and a monitor?
A screen is the display surface, while a monitor includes the screen and its encasing electronics.
Can screens be used for privacy?
Yes, screens can be used as partitions to provide privacy in settings like restaurants.
Are screens always flat?
While many modern screens are flat, there are curved screens, especially for immersive viewing.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
