Fill out: meaning, definitions and examples

✏️
Add to dictionary

fill out

 

[ fɪl aʊt ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

in a form

To write information in the spaces on a document, form, etc.

Synonyms

complete, fill-in, populate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fill out

Commonly used when you need to write information in a form or document, usually in all available fields. This phrase is informal and often heard in everyday conversations.

  • Remember to fill out the application form before the deadline.
  • I need to fill out some paperwork at the office.
complete

Used when you need to finish or achieve something fully without missing parts. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Please complete the survey by Friday.
  • She needs to complete her homework before going out.
fill-in

Typically used when providing a specific piece of information in a blank space on a form. It's less common in daily conversations and has a slightly more formal tone than 'fill out'.

  • Can you fill in your name on this sheet?
  • Make sure to fill in all the required fields.
populate

Used in more formal or technical settings, often referring to the insertion of data into a database or form. This word is less commonly used in casual conversation.

  • The IT specialist needs to populate the database with the new entries.
  • Please populate the fields with the relevant data.

Examples of usage

  • I need to fill out this application form.
  • Please fill out your name and address on the registration form.
Context #2 | Verb

satisfy a requirement

To satisfy a requirement or meet a need by providing what is necessary.

Synonyms

fulfill, meet, satisfy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fill out

Use this term when referring to completing a form or document by providing necessary information.

  • Please fill out this application form with all your details.
  • He forgot to fill out the survey before the deadline.
fulfill

Use this term when describing the completion or realization of a task, promise, or requirement.

  • She worked hard to fulfill all her job responsibilities.
  • He was able to fulfill his dreams of becoming a pilot.
meet

Use this term when talking about reaching a standard, requirement, or expectation.

  • The project must meet all the client's specifications.
  • They worked overtime to meet the deadline.
satisfy

Use this term when referring to fulfilling a need, desire, or criterion, sometimes implies a sense of contentment.

  • The solution satisfied all the conditions of the problem.
  • A simple meal was enough to satisfy his hunger.

Examples of usage

  • She was able to fill out the necessary paperwork for the job application.
  • His experience in the field helped him fill out the criteria for the position.
Context #3 | Noun

shape

The way that someone or something is filled out, in terms of shape or size.

Synonyms

build, form, shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fill out

Used when completing a form or document by writing the necessary information.

  • Please fill out this application form
  • She filled out the survey quickly
shape

Used to describe giving form or structure to something, often with a focus on the end result; can also imply influence or modify.

  • The potter shaped the clay into a beautiful vase
  • His experiences shaped his worldview
form

Used when creating something by putting parts together or developing an idea or plan.

  • The artists formed a new collective
  • We need to form a strategy before we proceed
build

Used when creating or constructing something physical or abstract, such as a building, a company, or a relationship.

  • They plan to build a new house
  • She built her career from scratch

Examples of usage

  • The dress was a perfect fit, with just the right amount of fill out at the waist.
  • His muscles began to fill out after months of training.

Translations

Translations of the word "fill out" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preencher

🇮🇳 भरना

🇩🇪 ausfüllen

🇮🇩 mengisi

🇺🇦 заповнити

🇵🇱 wypełnić

🇯🇵 記入する (きにゅうする)

🇫🇷 remplir

🇪🇸 rellenar

🇹🇷 doldurmak

🇰🇷 채우다

🇸🇦 ملء

🇨🇿 vyplnit

🇸🇰 vyplniť

🇨🇳 填写 (tiánxiě)

🇸🇮 izpolniti

🇮🇸 fylla út

🇰🇿 толтыру

🇬🇪 შევსება

🇦🇿 doldurmaq

🇲🇽 rellenar

Etymology

The term 'fill out' originated in the late 19th century and combines the verb 'fill' with the adverb 'out'. It has its roots in Old English and Middle English, where 'fill' meant 'to put something into a space or container'. Over time, 'fill out' evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including completing forms and satisfying requirements. Today, 'fill out' is commonly used in administrative, academic, and everyday contexts.