attache
|ə-ˈtæʃ-eɪ|
/əˈtæʃeɪ/
attached (person or case)
Etymology
'attache' originates from French, specifically the word 'attaché' (past participle of 'attacher'), where 'attacher' meant 'to attach' or 'to fasten'.
'attache' was borrowed into English from French in the 19th century as 'attaché', used for someone 'attached' to a diplomatic mission; the meaning extended to the small case associated with such officials (the attaché case).
Initially it meant 'attached' (literally), but over time it came to denote 'a person attached to a diplomatic mission' and later also the 'flat case' used to carry their documents.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person assigned to a diplomatic mission in a specific capacity (e.g., cultural attaché, military attaché); a specialist or official attached to an embassy or consulate.
She served as an attache at the embassy to handle cultural exchanges.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/14 13:00