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REFERENCE

file

n. · v.
US //ˈfaɪɫ// file
  1. 1 digital data (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    a collection of information stored on a computer or phone with a specific name.

    a discrete unit of data storage on a digital medium, identified by a filename and typically associated with a specific application.

    Example

    I saved the report as a PDF file so everyone could open it.

    Example

    The system administrator warned that any temporary files left in the shared directory would be deleted automatically at midnight.
  2. 2 paper records (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a folder or box used to keep papers and documents in order.

    a collection of physical papers or records organized for easy reference and storage.

    Example

    The lawyer pulled a thick file from the cabinet to check the dates.

    Example

    The HR department maintains a confidential file for every employee, documenting their performance reviews and contract history.
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  1. 3 smoothing tool (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a metal tool with a rough surface used to make edges smooth or to shape things.

    a hand tool with a hardened, abrasive surface used for smoothing, shaping, or removing small amounts of material from a workpiece.

    Example

    She used a small metal file to smooth the sharp edge of the key.

    Example

    The carpenter used a fine-toothed file to refine the joints of the cabinet before applying the final layer of varnish.
  2. 4 a line of people (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    a line of people standing or walking one behind the other.

    a line of persons or things arranged one behind another, as opposed to a rank where they are side by side.

    Example

    The students walked in single file through the narrow hallway.

    Example

    The soldiers marched in a long file along the mountain path, maintaining a strict distance between one another for safety.
  3. 5 to submit documents (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    to officially give a document to a court, office, or person in charge.

    to submit a legal document or formal application to a relevant authority for official processing.

    Example

    You must file your tax return before the end of the month.

    Example

    The plaintiff's attorney intends to file a formal complaint with the high court early tomorrow morning to prevent the demolition.
  4. 6 to smooth a surface (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to use a rough tool to make something smooth or to change its shape.

    to rub or shape a surface using a file or similar abrasive tool.

    Example

    He spent the afternoon filing the rough edges of the metal gate.

    Example

    After cutting the pipe, the plumber carefully filed the inner rim to ensure a smooth flow of water through the joint.
  5. 7 to walk in a line (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to walk in a line, one person after another.

    to march or move in a line or file, often in a solemn or orderly fashion.

    Example

    The audience began to file out of the theatre after the show ended.

    Example

    The mourners filed past the casket in silence, paying their final respects before the ceremony concluded.
Etymology 1

From Old French fil (“thread”), from Latin fīlum (“thread”). Doublet of filum.

Etymology 2

From French file, from filer (“to spin out, arrange one behind another”), from Latin fīlāre, from filum (“thread”).

Etymology 3

From Middle English file, fyle, from Old English fēl, fēol (“file”), from earlier fīil, from Proto-Germanic finhlō, finhilō (“file, rasp”), from Proto-Indo-European *peyḱ- (“to adorn, form”). Cognate with West Frisian file (“file”), Dutch vijl (“file”), German Feile (“file”).

Etymology 4

From Middle English filen (“to defile”), from Old English fȳlan (“to defile, make foul”), from Proto-West Germanic *fūlijan (“to make foul”). More at defile.

Idioms6 entries

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