attachment
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
The act of attaching something or the state of being attached.
1. A strong emotional bond or connection to a person, idea, or object. 2. A computer file or document sent along with an email. 3. A supplementary part or accessory that connects to a larger device.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning typically depends on context. In psychology, it relates to emotional bonds formed in early childhood. In technology, it's a discrete data file. In law, it can mean seizing property. The emotional sense often implies an affection that is difficult to break.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. 'Attachment' as a legal term for seizing property is more common in UK legal contexts. The email/file sense is universal. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, the emotional sense carries strong positive connotations of loyalty and affection, but can have a negative connotation of unhealthy dependence in psychological contexts.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties. The file/email sense dominates in contemporary usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have/feel an attachment to + [noun phrase]form an attachment with + [noun phrase]attach + [file] as an attachmentsend + [email] with an attachmentVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No strings attached (contrastive use)”
- “Inseparable attachment (descriptive phrase)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers primarily to email attachments. 'Please see the figures in the attachment.'
Academic
Common in psychology and sociology to describe emotional bonds, e.g., 'Bowlby's theory of attachment.'
Everyday
Used for feelings towards people/pets, or for email/files. 'I have a strong attachment to my childhood home.'
Technical
In engineering, a part that connects to a main device. 'The drill comes with a sanding attachment.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I will attach the document.
American English
- Make sure you attach the file.
adverb
British English
- The document is attachably included. (Rare/Formal)
American English
- The file is attached. (No common adverbial form for 'attachment')
adjective
British English
- The attachment style is secure.
- She attended an attachment parenting class.
American English
- The attachment theory is influential.
- They believe in attachment parenting.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I sent an email with an attachment.
- The dog has a strong attachment to its owner.
- Please open the attachment to see the details.
- Her attachment to her hometown made it hard to move.
- The psychologist discussed the child's insecure attachment to his caregivers.
- You'll need a special attachment to use this tool for polishing.
- His profound attachment to classical ideals often put him at odds with contemporary trends.
- The court issued a wage attachment to recover the debt.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ATTACHing a file to an email – that file is an ATTACHment. Or, you feel ATTACHed to someone, that feeling is an ATTACHment.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTACHMENT IS A PHYSICAL CONNECTION (e.g., 'deeply attached', 'bonded', 'tied to').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'приложение' for a mobile app; use 'mobile app' or 'application'.
- The legal term 'арест' is only one specific sense of 'attachment' (seizure).
- Avoid using 'attachment' as a direct translation for 'привязанность' in all contexts; sometimes 'affection' or 'bond' is better.
Common Mistakes
- 'I sent you the email with attachment.' (Missing article: *with an attachment* or *with the attachment*).
- Confusing 'attachment' (n) with 'to attach' (v) in sentence structure.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'attachment' MOST LIKELY refer to a physical object?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can have one attachment or several attachments to an email. In the emotional sense, it is usually singular (e.g., 'an attachment').
'Affection' is a warm feeling of liking. 'Attachment' implies a deeper bond, connection, or dependency, often with a sense of being linked or tied to someone/something.
Yes. In psychology, 'anxious attachment' or 'insecure attachment' describe problematic bonds. In a general sense, it can imply an unhealthy dependence, e.g., 'his attachment to the past is holding him back.'
The verb is 'to attach.' You attach a file, or you become attached to a person.
Collections
Part of a collection
Relationships
B1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for interpersonal and social connections.
Psychology Basics
B2 · 50 words · Fundamental concepts in human psychology.
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