fasten
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to close something by joining its parts together, like a coat or a seatbelt.
to join two parts of an object together securely, typically using a specific mechanism like a zipper, button, or buckle.
Simple“Please fasten your seatbelt before the plane takes off.”
In context“The flight attendant reminded the passengers to fasten their seatbelts securely as the aircraft prepared for its final descent into the city.”
UsageOften used with 'up' (fasten up) when referring to clothing.
PitfallHe fastened his shoes before going out. He tied his shoes before going out.While 'fasten' is technically correct, we usually say 'tie' for shoelaces and 'fasten' for buttons, zips, or belts.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to fix one thing firmly to another thing so it stays in place.
to attach or fix an object firmly to a surface or another object to prevent movement.
Simple“He used a long screw to fasten the shelf to the wall.”
In context“The carpenter used heavy-duty brackets to fasten the wooden beams to the masonry, ensuring the structure could withstand significant weight.”
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'to'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
to look at or think about one thing very closely.
to direct one's gaze or attention fixedly toward a specific object or idea.
Simple“Her eyes fastened on the mysterious letter lying on the table.”
In context“The investigator's attention immediately fastened on the discrepancy in the financial records, sensing it was the key to the entire case.”
UsageCommonly used with the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.
Teacher's tipThis figurative use is more common in literature than in daily conversation.
Synonyms
From Middle English fastenen, from Old English fæstnian, from Proto-West Germanic *fastinōn (“to secure, fasten”). Equivalent to fast + -en.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.