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Files Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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files

[faɪlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

computer programming

A collection of data or information that is stored on a computer under a specific name and directory.

Synonyms

data, documents, records.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
files

Use when referring to collections of digital documents or papers stored together in a physical or digital system.

  • 'I need to organize my project files
  • ' 'Please send me the files for the meeting
  • '
documents

Use when referring to individual written papers or digital files that contain official or important information.

  • 'I need to sign several documents before the end of the day
  • ' 'Can you send me that document via email?'
data

Use when referring to raw facts, figures, or information often used in research, analysis, or statistics.

  • 'The data shows an increase in sales this quarter
  • ' 'Please input the data into the spreadsheet
  • '
records

Use when referring to officially documented information that is kept for future reference, such as historical, business, or legal records.

  • 'The medical records need to be updated
  • ' 'We need to keep accurate records of all transactions
  • '

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to back up your files regularly.
  • The files are organized into different folders for easy access.
Context #2 | Noun

office

A folder or container used for storing papers and documents in an organized way.

Synonyms

binder, folder, portfolio.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
files

Use this term when referring to documents or information stored digitally or physically organized in an orderly manner.

  • I need to organize my computer files by project.
  • Can you send me the PDF files via email?
folder

Use this to refer to a virtual or physical space for storing documents, often used in both computer organization and office settings.

  • Save the document in the project folder.
  • Each employee has a personal folder for important papers.
binder

Appropriate when talking about a physical, ring-bound container used to organize and store papers, usually for school or work.

  • I keep all my class notes in a binder.
  • The project reports are in the blue binder on my desk.
portfolio

Best used when referring to a collection of works or documents that represent someone's skills, achievements, or personal development, often used by professionals, students, or artists.

  • My art portfolio includes sketches and paintings from the last five years.
  • She brought her professional portfolio to the job interview.

Examples of usage

  • The important files are kept in the filing cabinet.
  • Please put this document in the appropriate file.
Context #3 | Verb

computer

To store data on a computer by giving it a specific name and location.

Synonyms

archive, save, store.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
files

Used when referring to multiple documents, records, or data stored together.

  • She organized all her project files into folders on her computer
  • The HR department keeps files on all employees
store

Used when talking about keeping something in a particular place for future use.

  • You can store your off-season clothes in the attic
  • They stored all the backup data on an external hard drive
save

Used when referring to the act of preserving data or documents to prevent loss.

  • Remember to save your work frequently to avoid losing any progress
  • She saved the important document on her desktop
archive

Typically used when referring to a collection of historical records or documents that are preserved for long-term storage. Can also mean moving data to an archive for storage purposes.

  • The library has an extensive archive of ancient manuscripts
  • He decided to archive old emails to free up space in his inbox

Examples of usage

  • Remember to file the report once you have finished.
  • I need to file these documents before the meeting.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Digital files can come in various formats, including documents, images, music, and videos, each having a unique way to store information.
  • The concept of file sharing revolutionized how people collaborate and distribute information, with platforms like Dropbox and Google Drive.
  • Each file has metadata, which is data about the data, helping computers understand what information is inside.

Cultural Impact

  • In today's digital age, the 'digital footprint' reflects how files represent our activities and interactions online, shaping our identity.
  • The term 'file' has permeated pop culture; songs and movies reference 'files' to indicate secrets or hidden truths.
  • File management is a critical skill in workplaces, as it affects efficiency and knowledge retention.

Psychology

  • Organizing files can reduce stress and enhance productivity, reflecting the mental clarity that comes from tidiness.
  • Psychologists indicate that how we archive information can influence our memory recall, suggesting a link between filing methods and cognitive processes.
  • The concept of 'files' has been metaphorically extended to human memory, with theories arguing we 'file away' experiences for future reference.

Literature

  • Many authors use files as symbolic devices, representing hidden truths or histories that characters must uncover.
  • Science fiction often explores themes of digital files and information overload, examining the consequences of storing too much data.
  • In mystery novels, a 'file' can be a key element that unravels complex plots, highlighting the importance of information in solving crimes.

Origin of 'files'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'filare,' meaning 'to thread,' used initially to describe a string or wire for holding papers together.
  • In the early 20th century, the term began to refer to organized collections of documents kept in folders or cabinets.
  • File systems in computing were inspired by the need to organize and retrieve data efficiently, reflecting the physical filing systems.

The word 'files' originates from the Old English word 'fēol', which means a written document or record. Over time, the term evolved to refer to collections of documents or data stored together. In the context of computers, 'files' became a fundamental concept for organizing and managing information. Today, files play a crucial role in various aspects of modern life, from personal document storage to data management in businesses and organizations.

See also: filer, filet, filing, misfile.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,969, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.