What does "file" mean?

1. (digital data) a collection of information stored on a computer or phone with a specific name. 2. (paper records) a folder or box used to keep papers and documents in order. 3. (smoothing tool) a metal tool with a rough surface used to make edges smooth or to shape things. 4. (a line of people) a line of people standing or walking one behind the other. 5. (to submit documents) to officially give a document to a court, office, or person in charge. 6. (to smooth a surface) to use a rough tool to make something smooth or to change its shape. 7. (to walk in a line) to walk in a line, one person after another.

file — meaning, definition & examples

Word

01digital data

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Computing

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.”

Synonyms

document data

02paper records

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

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.”

Synonyms

folder record dossier

03smoothing tool

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

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

raspgrinder

04a line of people

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Military

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.”

Synonyms

line column queue

Antonyms

rank

05to submit documents

B2 · Upper Intermediate Law Formal

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.”

Synonyms

submit lodge register

Antonyms

withdraw

06to smooth a surface

B2 · Upper Intermediate

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.”

Synonyms

smooth grind sand

07to walk in a line

B2 · Upper Intermediate

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.”

Synonyms

march process

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “file” in context.

Verb

01. attach file

“Don't forget to attach the file to your email before sending it.”

verb + noun

02. create file

“You need to create a new file for each client's project.”

verb + noun

03. delete file

“Be careful not to delete the file by mistake.”

verb + noun

04. download file

“It took several minutes to download the large video file.”

verb + noun

05. file contains

“The file contains all the necessary documentation for your application.”

noun + verb

06. file exists

“An error message appeared stating that the file already exists.”

noun + verb

Adjective

07. confidential file

“Only authorized personnel are allowed to access the confidential file.”

adj + noun

08. corrupt file

“I couldn't open the attachment because it was a corrupt file.”

adj + noun

09. digital file

“Please ensure you save a backup of every digital file on an external drive.”

adj + noun

Noun

10. name of file

“Please change the name of the file to include today's date.”

noun + prep + noun

11. access a restricted file

“He was disciplined for trying to access a restricted file without permission.”

12. keep something on file

“We will keep your application on file for future vacancies.”

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.

NOUN

file(B1)

filing(B2)

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