Append - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

programming

To add something to the end of a list or a file.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
append	Used in technical or programming contexts to add something at the end of a document, file, or list. You need to append this text to the end of the file. The program will append new data to the existing database.
add	General term for including something that was not there before. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, including math, cooking, and general conversation. Please add more sugar to the recipe. We need to add more details to the report.
attach	Typically used when you are physically or digitally joining two items together, such as files in an email or a physical object to another. Attach the documents to the email and send them over. Can you attach this shelf to the wall?
insert	Used when you are putting something into another thing, often in a more deliberate or specific place than 'add'. It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts. Insert the key into the lock. You should insert a comma between these two clauses.

Examples of usage

I will append the new data to the existing file.
The program will append the new record to the database.
We need to append the additional information to the report.

Interesting Facts

Technology

In computer programming, appending is often used to add data to the end of a file or data structure.
When dealing with databases, appending records allows for the expansion of data over time without overwriting existing entries.
File formats like CSV use append to add new rows of data to an existing file, making it a common operation in data management.

Literature

Writers often append additional chapters or sections to their work in later editions, expanding on their original thoughts.
Appendices in academic texts provide extra information, resources, or clarification without interrupting the main narrative.
Authors can append acknowledgments to their books to thank contributors, enhancing the connection with their readers.

Psychology

The concept of appending has been studied in memory retention, where adding new information might help in recalling previously learned facts.
Cognitive load theory suggests that appending information can both aid and overwhelm understanding, depending on how it's introduced.
Sequential learning, where knowledge is built by appending new facts, aligns with how our brains organize information.

Pop Culture

In movies and TV shows, directors sometimes append scenes in the form of post-credit scenes to entice viewers to stay until the end.
Musical albums may append bonus tracks that were not included in the initial release, providing fans with more content.
Video games often append updates or expansions to enhance gameplay, adding new levels or features after the original game launch.

Origin of 'append'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'appendere', meaning 'to hang on' or 'to add'.
Initially, it referred to physically attaching something rather than just written or typed content.
The prefix 'ap-' means 'to' while 'pend' relates to hanging, highlighting the action of adding.

The word 'append' originated from the Latin word 'appendere', meaning 'to hang upon'. It has been used in English since the 15th century, with the sense of 'to add as an attachment or supplement'. Over time, 'append' has become a common term in programming and data processing, referring to the action of adding data to the end of a file or a list.

See also: appendable, appendage, appended, appendix.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,467, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20464 radiocarbon
20465 barrow
20466 postmortem
20467 append
20468 paganism
20469 spiny
20470 devilish
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Append Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations