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What is the Meaning of “Attach”?

Attach
/əˈtætʃ/
verb B1 Tier 4 (Top 10,000 words) academic

To connect or stick something to something else. Can be physical (like attaching a file) or emotional (like being attached to a person).

Definition of Attach

Quick Meaning of Attach

To connect or stick something to something else. Can be physical (like attaching a file) or emotional (like being attached to a person).

Detailed Definition of Attach

To fasten or join one thing to another; to connect something physically or emotionally.

How to Pronounce Attach

IPA: /əˈtætʃ/
a tach

Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).

Tip: Stress the second syllable: uh-TACH. The 'a' at the start is the schwa sound (uh), not a long 'a'.

Watch out: Some learners say 'uh-TASH' (with 'sh' sound) instead of 'uh-TACH'. Keep the 'ch' sound crisp: uh-TACH.

Full pronunciation guide for “attach” →

Origin and Etymology of Attach

From Old French 'atachier' (to fasten). 'A-' (to) + 'tache' (stake, fastening point). Entered English in 14th century with dual physical and emotional meanings.

How to Use Attach in a Sentence

Each example shows “attach” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “Please attach your resume to the email before sending it.”
    B1 formal
  • “The painter attached the canvas to the wooden frame.”
    B1 written
  • “Children often become attached to their favorite toys.”
    B1 academic

Synonyms and Antonyms of Attach

Common Synonyms for Attach

Smart Synonyms for Attach — When to Use Each

fasten
More technical; emphasizes secure physical connection
connect
More general; can be physical or abstract
stick
More informal; implies adhesive or permanent joining

Antonyms of Attach

See all synonyms for “attach” →

Common Collocations with Attach

These phrases pair with “attach” in everyday English:

  • attach a file
  • attach importance
  • attach to
  • attach documents
  • attach a label

Common Mistakes When Using Attach

Even fluent speakers slip up with “attach”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: I attached the picture in the wall.
✓ Correct: I attached the picture to the wall.
Why: Use 'to' not 'in' when showing what something is attached to.
✗ Wrong: She attaches great important to this project.
✓ Correct: She attaches great importance to this project.
Why: Use the noun 'importance' not the adjective 'important' after 'attach'.
✗ Wrong: The dog is very attached with its owner.
✓ Correct: The dog is very attached to its owner.
Why: Use 'to' not 'with' when describing emotional attachment.

Other Forms of Attach

Frequently Asked Questions About Attach

What is the meaning of "Attach"?

To connect or stick something to something else. Can be physical (like attaching a file) or emotional (like being attached to a person).

How do you pronounce "Attach"?

The IPA is /əˈtætʃ/. Stress the second syllable: uh-TACH. The 'a' at the start is the schwa sound (uh), not a long 'a'.

What part of speech is "Attach"?

"Attach" is a verb at B1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Attach"?

Common synonyms include fasten, connect, fix.

How do you use "Attach" in a sentence?

For example: "Please attach your resume to the email before sending it."

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