Word
file
/ˈfaɪɫ/
Definitions
01digital data
n. a collection of information stored on a computer or phone with a specific name.
n. a discrete unit of data storage on a digital medium, identified by a filename and typically associated with a specific application.
“I saved the report as a PDF file so everyone could open it.”
“The system administrator warned that any temporary files left in the shared directory would be deleted automatically at midnight.”
02paper records
n. a folder or box used to keep papers and documents in order.
n. a collection of physical papers or records organized for easy reference and storage.
“The lawyer pulled a thick file from the cabinet to check the dates.”
“The HR department maintains a confidential file for every employee, documenting their performance reviews and contract history.”
03smoothing tool
n. a metal tool with a rough surface used to make edges smooth or to shape things.
n. a hand tool with a hardened, abrasive surface used for smoothing, shaping, or removing small amounts of material from a workpiece.
“She used a small metal file to smooth the sharp edge of the key.”
“The carpenter used a fine-toothed file to refine the joints of the cabinet before applying the final layer of varnish.”
Synonyms
04a line of people
n. a line of people standing or walking one behind the other.
n. a line of persons or things arranged one behind another, as opposed to a rank where they are side by side.
“The students walked in single file through the narrow hallway.”
“The soldiers marched in a long file along the mountain path, maintaining a strict distance between one another for safety.”
Antonyms
05to submit documents
v. to officially give a document to a court, office, or person in charge.
v. to submit a legal document or formal application to a relevant authority for official processing.
“You must file your tax return before the end of the month.”
“The plaintiff's attorney intends to file a formal complaint with the high court early tomorrow morning to prevent the demolition.”
Formal
Antonyms
06to smooth a surface
v. to use a rough tool to make something smooth or to change its shape.
v. to rub or shape a surface using a file or similar abrasive tool.
“He spent the afternoon filing the rough edges of the metal gate.”
“After cutting the pipe, the plumber carefully filed the inner rim to ensure a smooth flow of water through the joint.”
07to walk in a line
v. to walk in a line, one person after another.
v. to march or move in a line or file, often in a solemn or orderly fashion.
“The audience began to file out of the theatre after the show ended.”
“The mourners filed past the casket in silence, paying their final respects before the ceremony concluded.”
Etymology
From Old French fil (“thread”), from Latin fīlum (“thread”). Doublet of filum.
From French file, from filer (“to spin out, arrange one behind another”), from Latin fīlāre, from filum (“thread”).
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”).
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Collocations
Idioms
circular file — The trash container; the wastebasket.
dirt file — A compilation of negative gossip or facts about someone.
file away — To cause oneself to remember (something); to avoid expressing a feeling, fact or idea until an appropriate time.
file off the serial numbers — To alter identifiable details in a creative work in order to conceal its origin.
rank and file — The members of an organization, community, etc. who are not in leadership positions.
run someone's file — To search through someone's criminal record.
Domains
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/file