Word: File

Pronunciation

/fāl/

Definitions

• Noun: A collection of papers, records, or information that are arranged in a particular order and kept together, often in a folder or drawer. Example: “I need to find the insurance file from last year.”
• Verb: (1) To arrange papers, documents, or data systematically in a file for storage or reference. Example: “Please file these reports by date.” (2) To submit an official document or application to an organization or authority. Example: “She filed her tax returns electronically.”
• Noun (computing): A computer file, which is a collection of data stored on a storage device and accessed and managed under a single name. Example: “The image was saved as a JPEG file.”

Phrases

• “File away” means to place something in a file or files for storage or future reference. Example: “After the meeting, he filed away the important memos.”
• “File under” is used when categorizing something within a filing system. Example: “This report should be filed under ‘Quarterly Sales’.”
• “To file a complaint/claim/lawsuit” means to formally present a grievance or initiate legal action. Example: “They decided to file a lawsuit against the company.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “In the office, each employee has a personnel file containing their employment records.”
• Verb (arrange): “It’s essential to file your paperwork promptly to avoid losing important documents.”
• Verb (submit): “He filed his application for a new passport well before his travel date.”
• Noun (computing): “Don’t forget to save your work; otherwise, it will be lost once you close the file.”

Synonyms

• Folder (noun, in context of physical documents)
• Document (noun, often referring to digital files)
• Record (noun, usually for specific pieces of data or information)
• Archive (noun, especially when storing something long-term)
• Organize (verb, related to arranging documents)
• Submit (verb, in the context of presenting official documents)
• Save (verb, in the context of computing)