attachment - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
attachment Word Meanings
- a connection or bond with someone or something
- an emotional bond
- a document or file sent with an email
attachment Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
attachment Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈtæʧmənt/
US
/əˈtæʧmənt/
attachment Word Etymology
Root: attach (to fasten) + ment (acting or resulting in). Historical origin: Latin 'attachere' → Old French 'atacher' → English 'attachment'. Memory image: Picture a paperclip holding together important documents, symbolizing the connection between them.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I reach for a sheet and move it toward the edge of the desk, then turn to the screen and place the file beside the message. The act hums with a soft push that says this belongs here, stitching one thing to another. I adjust my grip, hold steady, and feel the link tighten as I prepare to send. When I click send, the attachment becomes part of the conversation, not just a file.
Real Context
Attachment has several common meanings in English. It can refer to a connection or bond with someone or something, such as a strong emotional attachment to a place, person, or idea. It can also denote an emotional bond, which is an affective link between people. A third sense is a document or file sent with an email, literally an electronic attachment. These senses share a core idea of holding things together, but the context reveals which meaning is intended. A memory image that helps learners is a paperclip linking papers, symbolizing both links and security. Practice by recognizing whether attachment means feeling, a relationship, or a digital file from context clues.
Usage Reminders
- Remember that attachment can be a feeling or a file, not only a physical thing.
- Distinguish the noun attachment from the verb attach.
- In emails, attachment refers to the file you send with the message.
- In writing, choose the sense that fits the context (emotional bond vs. document).
- Collocations: emotional attachment, attachment to a person, file attachment.
Common Misconceptions
- An attachment is always tangible or physical.
- Attachment does not always involve people or feelings.
- Attachment is only about romance or family ties.
- Attachment is not used with abstract ideas or hobbies.
- A file can never be called an attachment in non-digital contexts.
Thinking Differences
In English, attachment often splits between an emotion or a file; learners should note context clues (emotional language vs 'attachment' in mail) to determine meaning.
Learning Tips
- Learn both senses: emotional bond and email file.
- Practice collocations: emotional attachment, attachment to a person, file attachment.
- Pronounce it as /əˈtætʃmənt/ with the second syllable stressed.
- Remember the noun vs verb pair: attachment vs attach.
- Pay attention to context to determine whether it’s about people or about documents.
- Read and listen to real examples to see how writers switch senses.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'attachment'?
A.Isolation
B.Expansion
C.Connection
D.Contradiction
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'attachment' used correctly?
A.She lacked any form of attachment to her family.
B.He experienced detachment from his emotions.
C.The attachment between the two friends grew stronger.
D.The company decided to attachment with a new strategy.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym for 'attachment'?
A.Disconnection
B.Affection
C.Aversion
D.Indifference
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'attachment'?
A.Devotion
B.Affiliation
C.Detachment
D.Association
Step 5: Mastery
How does the concept of 'attachment' apply in psychology?
A.It symbolizes a lack of social connections.
B.It signifies a strong emotional bond to inanimate objects.
C.It represents a form of aversion towards loved ones.
D.It refers to the bond between a child and their primary caregiver.
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