attach
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for attach, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To fasten or connect one thing to another, physically or figuratively.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use attach
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
attach a file
attach importance to
become attached
Etymology
From Old French atachier, "to fasten," related to a Frankish word for stick or stake — the same root that gives us "attack" and "stake."
Full origin of attach →Frequently asked questions
What does “attach” mean?
The word “attach” means to fasten or connect one thing to another, physically or figuratively. In plain terms, to join, connect, or include something with something else — physically, emotionally, legally, or digitally.
How do you pronounce “attach”?
“Attach” is pronounced uh-TACH (/əˈtæt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “attach” in a sentence?
Here is “attach” used in a sentence: “Attach the label to the outside of the box.”
What part of speech is “attach”?
“Attach” is a verb.
Where does the word “attach” come from?
The word “attach” comes from Old French. From Old French atachier, "to fasten," related to a Frankish word for stick or stake — the same root that gives us "attack" and "stake.".
Is “attach” a common word?
“Attach” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “attach” have?
“Attach” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to fasten or connect one thing to another, physically or figuratively.
What is the difference between attach and attach in an email?
In everyday physical use, attach means to fasten or connect one thing to another, physically or figuratively, while in digital communication it specifically means to include a file along with an email or other message. The core idea of joining one thing to another carries over into both uses.
What is the difference between attach and detach?
Attach means to fasten or connect one thing to another, while detach means the opposite: to disconnect or separate something that was joined. They are direct antonyms describing opposite actions on a connection.
Can attach be used in a legal sense?
Yes, attach can mean to come into legal force or effect, a specialised sense used in legal contexts distinct from its everyday meaning of physically or figuratively fastening one thing to another.
