Net vs. Screen: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
A net is a fabric made of intersecting threads, while a screen is a barrier or surface, often used for displaying images or for protection.
Key Differences
A net is typically a woven or stringed framework designed to trap, protect, or enclose, made of interlaced fibers or wires, whereas a screen is a flat panel or area used to display visual images or to shield and protect from light or view. The essence of a net is its open, meshed structure, while a screen is valued for its ability to divide, protect, or project.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
In everyday usage, a net is often associated with fishing or sports, capturing objects within its openings, while a screen can refer to the part of a device on which visual information is displayed, like the screen of a television or computer. The net captures and holds, while the screen displays or shields.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
In a digital context, the term net often refers to a network, such as the internet, implying connection and accessibility, while a screen is an interface, a point of interaction where digital content is viewed and engaged with. Here, a net symbolizes interconnectedness, and a screen is a gateway to digital content.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
In finance, net refers to an amount remaining after deductions, indicating clarity and finality, while screen is not commonly used in financial contexts. The use of the word net in finance underlines a sense of conclusion, representing what is left after all deductions are made.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Hence, net and screen are multi-functional words with different implications and uses. A net is about catching, connecting, or concluding, and a screen is about displaying, protecting, or dividing. Their differences stem from their inherent functionalities and the contexts in which they are used.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Material
Often made of interlaced fibers or wires
Can be made of fabric, glass, or other materials
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Usage
Fishing, sports, digital communication, finance
Viewing content, shielding, dividing spaces
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Context
Used in sports, digital communication, finance
Used in technology, protection, and division
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
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Net and Screen Definitions
Net
The amount remaining after all deductions have been made.
After taxes, his net income was significantly lower.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Screen
A flat panel or area on which moving pictures can be projected.
The movie will be shown on a large screen.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Net
A framework or network allowing interchange and cooperation.
The organization has a wide net of volunteers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Screen
A protective or decorative device that shields or divides.
She put up a screen to keep the sun out of her eyes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Net
A goal in sports.
The soccer player skillfully kicked the ball into the net.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
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Screen
To examine or check methodically.
The hospital has a duty to screen all donors for potential diseases.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Net
An openwork fabric made of threads or cords that are woven or knotted together at regular intervals.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
A system for selecting or rejecting people or things.
The initial application serves as a screen for potential candidates.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Screen
A movable device, especially a framed construction such as a room divider or a decorative panel, designed to divide, conceal, or protect.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
A surface, as on a smartphone, television, or computer monitor, on which one can read and view electronically displayed information and images.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
A fine mesh fabric used as curtain or dress material or as the foundation for various laces.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
A barrier of meshwork cord or rope strung between two posts to divide a court in half, as in tennis and badminton.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
A coarse sieve used for sifting out fine particles, as of sand, gravel, or coal.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
A system for preliminary appraisal and selection of personnel as to their suitability for particular jobs.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
A window or door insertion of framed wire or plastic mesh used to keep out insects and permit air flow.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
A body of troops or ships sent in advance of or surrounding a larger body to protect or warn of attack.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
(Sports) A block, set with the body, that impedes the vision or movement of an opponent.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To protect, guard, or shield
"This rose is screened from the wind with burlap" (Anne Raver).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To separate or sift out (fine particles of sand, for example) by means of a sieve or screen.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
To acquire or obtain
An investment that netted a hefty profit.
A personal ad that netted a dozen responses.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To sort through and eliminate unwanted examples of (something)
A filter that screens email, preventing spam from reaching the inbox.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To examine (a job applicant, for example) systematically in order to determine suitability.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To test or evaluate (a student) to determine placement in an educational system or to identify specific learning needs.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To test or examine for the presence of disease or infection
Screen blood.
Screen a patient.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To obscure an opponent's view of (a shot) by positioning oneself between the opponent and the shooter.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
Remaining after all deductions have been made, as for expenses
Net profit.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
A physical divider intended to block an area from view, or provide shelter from something dangerous.
A fire screen
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
(baseball) The protective netting which protects the audience from flying objects
Jones caught the foul up against the screen.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
(printing) A stencil upon a framed mesh through which paint is forced onto printed-on material; the frame with the mesh itself.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
(by analogy) Searching through a sample for a target; an act of screening
A drug screen, a genetic screen
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
(genetics) A technique used to identify genes so as to study gene functions.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
The viewing surface or area of a movie, or moving picture or slide presentation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
A system that interconnects a number of users, locations etc. allowing transport or communication between them.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
The informational viewing area of electronic devices, where output is displayed.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
(electronics) A conductor that interconnects two or more component terminals.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
One of the individual regions of a video game, etc. divided into separate screens.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
(computer) The visualised data or imagery displayed on a computer screen.
After you turn on the computer, the login screen appears.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
A mesh stretched to divide the court in tennis, badminton, volleyball, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
The area of the court close to the net (mesh stretched to divide the court).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
(basketball) An offensive tactic in which a player stands so as to block a defender from reaching a teammate.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
(cricket) An erection of white canvas or wood placed on the boundary opposite a batsman to make the ball more easily visible.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
(nautical) A collection of less-valuable vessels that travel with a more valuable one for the latter's protection.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To filter by passing through a screen.
Mary screened the beans to remove the clumps of gravel.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
(transitive) To yield as profit for.
The scam netted the criminals $30,000.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
To fully hedge a position.
Every party is netting their position with a counter-party
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To present publicly (on the screen).
The news report will be screened at 11:00 tonight.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To fit with a screen.
We need to screen this porch. These bugs are driving me crazy.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
(basketball) To stand so as to block a defender from reaching a teammate.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To determine the source or subject matter of a call before deciding whether to answer the phone.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
A fabric of twine, thread, or the like, wrought or woven into meshes, and used for catching fish, birds, butterflies, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
Anything wrought or woven in meshes; as, a net for the hair; a mosquito net; a tennis net.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
An erection of white canvas or wood placed on the boundary opposite a batsman to enable him to see ball better.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
A netting, usu. of metal, contained in a frame, used mostly in windows or doors to allow in fresh air while excluding insects.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
To take in a net; to capture by stratagem or wile.
And now I am here, netted and in the toils.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
To produce or gain as clear profit; as, he netted a thousand dollars by the operation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
To examine a group of objects methodically, to separate them into groups or to select one or more for some purpose.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
A white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
Free from extraneous substances; pure; unadulterated; neat; as, net wine, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
Something that keeps things out or hinders sight;
They had just moved in and had not put up blinds yet
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
Display on the surface of the large end of a cathode-ray tube on which is electronically created
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
A covering that serves to conceal or shelter something;
They crouched behind the screen
Under cover of darkness
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
Protective covering consisting of a metallic netting mounted in a frame and covering windows or doors (especially for protection against insects)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
The excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
A strainer for separating lumps from powdered material or grading particles
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
Game equipment consisting of a strip of netting dividing the playing area in tennis or badminton
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
Partition consisting of a decorative frame or panel that serves to divide a space
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
An open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
Test or examine for the presence of disease or infection;
Screen the blood for the HIV virus
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Screen
Examine in order to test suitability;
Screen these samples
Screen the job applicants
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
Conclusive in a process or progression;
The final answer
A last resort
The net result
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023
Net
A fabric made of threads or cords that cross each other with open spaces in between.
He cast the net into the sea to catch fish.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Screen
The surface on a device where visual information is displayed.
The screen on my phone is cracked.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
FAQs
Is the term net used in financial contexts?
Yes, net is used in finance to refer to the amount remaining after all deductions have been made.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can screen refer to a process of checking or filtering?
Yes, to screen can mean to examine, check, or filter methodically.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can net refer to a goal in sports?
Yes, a net can refer to a goal in sports such as soccer or hockey.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Can a screen be made of different materials?
Absolutely, screens can be made of various materials such as fabric, glass, or plastic.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can net have different meanings in different contexts?
Absolutely, net can mean a meshed fabric, the amount after deductions, or a goal in sports, among other meanings.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can screen be used to refer to different things in different contexts?
Yes, screen can refer to a flat panel for viewing, a shield or protector, or a method of checking or examining.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Does the word screen always imply division or protection?
Not always, screen can also refer to displaying visual content or examining methodically.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Can the word net refer to capturing or obtaining something?
Yes, net can mean to capture or obtain something, like capturing fish or obtaining profits.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Does a net always have openings?
Typically, yes, a net has an open, meshed structure with spaces in between the threads or cords.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is a screen only used for displaying visual content?
No, a screen can also be used to protect, shield, divide spaces, and to filter or examine methodically.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can net be used as a verb?
Yes, net can be used as a verb meaning to capture, enclose, or obtain.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is a screen always solid and flat?
While screens are often flat, they can be made of different materials and may not always be solid.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Can the term net imply a sense of connectivity?
Yes, net can imply connectivity and interchange, especially in digital and communication contexts.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Is the structure of a net always open?
Typically, a net has an open structure, but the size of the openings can vary greatly depending on its purpose.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is screen used as a verb?
Yes, to screen can mean to show a movie or to examine or check something methodically.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
