Attached means connected or fastened to something else. When you stick a magnet to the refrigerator, it becomes attached to the metal surface. When you staple pages together for a book report, you're attaching them so they stay in order. Things can be attached with glue, tape, screws, buttons, or countless other methods.

The word also describes emotional connections between people. When you're attached to someone, like a best friend or family member, you care deeply about them and feel close to them. A child might be especially attached to a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, feeling comforted by having it nearby.

You'll often hear about email attachments, which are files connected to an email message, like when your teacher sends home a permission slip as an attachment for your parents.

People sometimes say they're “not attached” to an outcome when they mean they can accept whatever happens without being upset. If you're not attached to winning a particular game, you can enjoy playing regardless of the final score.