File — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of File
File (noun)
- a tool usually of hardened steel with cutting ridges for forming or smoothing surfaces especially of metal
- a shrewd or crafty person
- a device (such as a folder, case, or cabinet) by means of which papers are kept in order
- roll, list
- a collection of papers or publications usually arranged or classified
- single file
- any of the rows of squares that extend across a chessboard from one player's side to the other player's side
- powdered young leaves of sassafras used to thicken soups or stews
File (verb)
- to rub, smooth, or cut away with or as if with a file
- defile, corrupt
- to arrange in order for preservation and reference
- to place among official records as prescribed by law
- to send (copy) to a newspaper
- to march or proceed in single file
File (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
to make smooth by friction
"beautifully filed nails that obviously had been done by a manicurist"
-
to move along with a steady regular step especially in a group
"to the strains of that familiar music, this year's graduating class filed into the auditorium"
File (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
a series of persons or things arranged one behind another
"a long file of people waiting to get tickets to the game"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for File
The most common words with a similar meaning to File:
Near Antonyms of File
Word Forms of File
Derived words: filer (noun)
Origin & Etymology of File
Middle English, from Old English fēol; akin to Old High German fīla file
First known use: before 12th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for File
- CEFR level: B1 English Vocabulary — Page 6
- Academic Word List: 570 Academic Word List — Page 6
- Topics: Technology
Words & Phrases Containing File
Frequently Asked Questions about File
What does "File" mean?
"File" means a tool usually of hardened steel with cutting ridges for forming or smoothing surfaces especially of metal. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a tool usually of hardened steel with cutting ridges for forming or smoothing surfaces especially of metal. It has 3 distinct senses.
What is another word for "File"?
Other words for "File" include buff, grind, hone, rasp, rub, sand, march and pace. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "File" you intend.
What are different ways to say "File"?
There are 53 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "File". Common alternatives include buff, grind, hone, rasp, rub, sand, march, pace, parade and stride.
How do you use "File" in a sentence?
Examples of "File" in a sentence: "beautifully filed nails that obviously had been done by a manicurist"; "to the strains of that familiar music, this year's graduating class filed into the auditorium"; "a long file of people waiting to get tickets to the game".
Is "File" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"File" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.
Is "File" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As a B1-level word, "File" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.
How do you pronounce "File"?
"File" is pronounced /ˈfī(-ə)l/ as a noun and /fə-ˈlā/ as a noun.
What is the origin of the word "File"?
"File" comes from Middle English, from Old English fēol; akin to Old High German fīla file. First known use: before 12th century.