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REFERENCE

filled

v. · adj.
US //ˈfɪɫd// UK //fˈɪld// filled
  1. 1 made full (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to have put enough of something into a container so that there is no more room.

    the past tense of 'fill', indicating the completion of the act of making a space or container full.

    Example

    He filled the glass with cold water from the kitchen tap.

    Example

    The technician filled the reservoir to the maximum level before initiating the pressure test on the hydraulic system.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'with'.

  2. 2 occupied a space (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to have spread through or occupied a space or a period of time.

    to have occupied or pervaded a space, time, or role completely.

    Example

    The smell of fresh bread filled the entire house.

    Example

    The candidate filled the vacancy left by the previous director, bringing a wealth of experience in international trade law.

    Usage

    Used transitively to describe how a substance or person occupies a volume or position.

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  1. 3 containing something inside (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    describes something that has a substance or object inside it.

    a participial adjective describing a container or space that is currently occupied or holds a specific substance.

    Example

    She bought a chocolate-filled doughnut from the bakery.

    Example

    The report was filled with technical errors that undermined the credibility of the final conclusions.

    Usage

    Commonly used in compound adjectives like 'cream-filled' or 'action-filled'.

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