filling-in
|fil-ling-in|
/ˈfɪlɪn/
(fill in)
make full; supply missing parts / act as substitute
Etymology
'fill' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'fyllan', where the root meant 'to make full'; 'in' originates from Old English 'in', meaning 'into' or 'within'. The phrasal verb 'fill in' is a combination of these elements.
'fill' changed from Old English 'fyllan' and through Middle English forms such as 'fillen'; 'in' remained from Old English 'in'. Together as the phrasal verb 'fill in' (Middle English onward) they produced modern English 'fill in' and the noun 'fill-in'.
Initially it meant 'to make full or to put into', but over time it evolved into current senses including 'complete (a form)', 'supply missing information', and the derived noun sense 'a temporary replacement'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a temporary replacement for a person in a job or role (a substitute).
Her filling-in as team leader lasted two weeks while the manager recovered.
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Verb 1
the act of completing a form or entering required information (gerund/participle of 'fill in').
He's busy filling-in the application form now.
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Verb 2
supplying missing information or details to make something complete (gerund/participle of 'fill in').
The editor is filling-in the missing details before publication.
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Last updated: 2025/11/06 14:33