attach
uh-TACH
Attach (verb) means to fasten or connect one thing to another, physically or figuratively. Example: “Attach the label to the outside of the box.”
verb
1
To fasten or connect one thing to another, physically or figuratively.
"Attach the label to the outside of the box."
"She quickly became attached to the idea of moving abroad."
"You can attach the shelf to the wall using two long screws."
2
To include a file along with an email or other digital message.
"Don't forget to attach your resume to the application email."
"Please attach the signed form to your reply before you send it."
"I forgot to attach the photos, so I had to email you again."
3
To come into legal force or effect.
"Liability attaches once the contract is signed."
"The tax penalty will attach to any payment made after the deadline."
"Under this law, certain rights attach to the property as soon as it is bought."
How to use attach
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo join, connect, or include something with something else — physically, emotionally, legally, or digitally.
Common pairings
attach a file
attach importance to
become attached
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- attaches
- Past tense
- attached
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ the label to the outside of the box.
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."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
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