noun / verb / adjective
contact
KAHN-takt/ˈkɑːntækt/
Direct touching or interaction between parties.
The two adults make contact with a fist bump.
Etymology
“Together” and “touch” underlie the original meaning of physical touching. That concrete connection later extended figuratively to communication: people can be in contact without their bodies meeting.
In context
Some societies are more touch oriented, using frequent contact to communicate friendliness or intimacy. Others might see touch as private or reserved.
More examples
- We stay in contact through weekly phone calls.
- Please contact the office to schedule an appointment.
- Football is a contact sport.
- A contact at the company helped me find a job.
Forms
contact · contacts · contacted · contacting
contactless adjective — Working without direct physical touching.
Similar words
- touch
- Emphasizes physical contact rather than communication between people.
- communication
- Emphasizes exchanging information rather than physical touching.
- connection
- Can describe an ongoing link without direct interaction.