file
English meaning: File
Definition
A collection of papers collated and archived together.
Example
“Please save the file before you close the program.”
Another example: “They walked in single file along the narrow mountain path.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A very common noun: a collection of documents ('a personnel file'), a folder, a computer document ('save the file'), or a tool for smoothing ('a nail file'). 'In single file' means in a line. The verb means to store, submit, or smooth. Countable; used at all registers.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'filum' meaning a thread (documents were once strung on a thread or wire), via French 'fil', entering English in the 16th century.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- save a file
- open a file
- on file
- file a complaint
- single file
- file folder
Word Forms
file (sing.); files (pl.); file (v.); filed; filing
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B