# attached

/əˈtætʃt/ (US) · /ɐtˈætʃt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/attached
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. connected or joined

adjective · CEFR B1

physically joined or connected to something else.

For teachers: physically fastened, joined, or connected to a primary object.

- The garage is attached to the main house by a small hallway.
- The laboratory was housed in a modern wing attached to the original Victorian structure by a glass-walled corridor.

### 2. sent with an email

adjective · CEFR B1

included as a separate file with an email or message.

For teachers: included as a digital attachment within an electronic communication.

- Please find the signed contract attached to this email.
- The revised budget projections are attached for your review before the board meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

### 3. emotionally close

adjective · CEFR B2

feeling a strong bond or liking for someone or something.

For teachers: feeling a strong emotional connection or affection; typically used with the preposition 'to'.

- The children became very attached to their new puppy within just a few days.
- Having lived in the coastal village for over twenty years, she felt deeply attached to the local community and its traditions.

Usage: Always followed by the preposition 'to' when describing the object of affection.

### 4. in a relationship

adjective · CEFR B2

already in a romantic relationship or married.

For teachers: involved in a committed romantic or sexual relationship; not single.

- He didn't ask for her number because he knew she was already attached.
- The social event was designed for single professionals, though several attached individuals attended to support their friends.

### 5. botany

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

joined directly to a stem.

For teachers: describing a part, such as a leaf or gill, that is broadly joined to a stem or stipe.

- You can identify this mushroom by how the gills are attached to the stem.
- The specimen is characterised by its broadly attached gills, which distinguish it from similar species in the same genus.

## Examples

- I am very attached to my old car.
- Please find the signed contract attached to this email for your records.
- The researchers found that children who are securely attached to their primary caregivers tend to show higher levels of resilience when facing social challenges in later life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
