File
/faɪl/
Definitions
3 meaningsA collection of data stored on a computer or in a physical form.
/faɪl/
A collection of related data or information.
Please attach the file to the email.
💡 Simply: A file is like a container for information. Imagine it's a digital box where you keep all your photos, or a folder where you keep your school papers. Easy to find what you need!
👶 For kids: A file is like a box where you keep your drawings or important papers on the computer.
More Examples
The file contains important information about the project.
I need to open the file to see the latest updates.
How It's Used
"I saved the document as a new file."
"The company keeps all client records in separate files."
To submit or enter a document or record officially.
/faɪl/
To place a document in a system for storage and reference.
The company filed for bankruptcy.
💡 Simply: To file something means to officially submit it. Like giving your homework to the teacher, or sending a form to the government. It's making it official!
👶 For kids: To file means to put something important like a paper into a special place like a folder.
More Examples
I need to file the documents before leaving.
She filed a complaint with the authorities.
How It's Used
"The accountant filed the tax return before the deadline."
"The lawyer filed a lawsuit against the company."
To shape or smooth (something) with a file (a tool with a roughened surface).
/faɪl/
To make smooth or sharp by rubbing.
He filed the edges of the metal to remove the burrs.
💡 Simply: To file something can also mean to rub it with a special tool to make it smooth or sharp. Think of a nail file shaping your nails!
👶 For kids: To file can mean to make something smooth by rubbing it with a tool that's rough like a nail file.
More Examples
The jeweler used a small file to polish the ring.
She spent hours filing the nails.
How It's Used
"The metalworker used a file to smooth the rough edges."
Idioms & expressions
file away
To store something, especially documents, in a particular place, often for future reference.
"I filed away all the old invoices in a cabinet."
file for
To officially request something, such as a divorce or bankruptcy, by submitting the necessary paperwork.
"They decided to file for divorce after years of marriage."
file past
To move in a line, one after another.
"The students filed past the principal's office."
From Old French *file* (a row, line), from Latin *filum* (a thread). Originally referred to a line of soldiers or a document on a string.
Originally used to describe a line of soldiers, the term evolved to describe the arrangement of papers and documents.
Memory tip
Think of a digital file containing information, or a physical file folder holding documents.