B1noun1K

Contact

UK /["/ˈkɒntækt/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːntækt/"]/

Definition

the act of communicating with somebody, especially regularly

In simple words: To get in touch with someone.

Examples

  • Please provide your emergency contact information.
  • The two teams finally made contact during the meeting.
  • It's important to maintain contact with your friends and family.
  • After a long time apart, they reestablished contact.

Usage notes

Use 'contact' when referring to reaching someone either by phone, email, or in person. It is appropriate in both casual and professional contexts, but be careful not to use it too informally.

Grammar pattern

contact + object

Memory hint

Think of 'contact' as being in 'con-tact' with someone, like touching hands.

Collocations

  • close
  • constant
  • daily
  • be in
  • have
  • come into
  • contact between
  • contact with
  • close
  • constant
  • daily
  • be in
  • have
  • come into
  • contact between
  • contact with
  • good
  • useful
  • valuable
  • have
  • build up
  • develop
  • physical
  • sexual
  • eye
  • come into
  • avoid
  • prevent
  • in contact
  • on contact
  • contact between

Synonyms

  • reach out
  • get in touch
  • communicate
  • connect
  • approach

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • shun
  • avoid

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'contact' with 'contract'
  • Using 'contact' as a noun when it should be a verb (e.g., 'I will contact' instead of 'I send a contact')
  • Using 'contact' in situations that require a more specific verb like 'call' or 'email'