Filing vs. Filling: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Filing refers to the process of arranging documents systematically, while filling means to make something full or to complete a substance in a space.
Key Differences
Filing is the act of organizing and storing documents in a systematic manner. Filling, conversely, involves adding a substance to an object or space until it is full.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
In an office setting, filing is essential for keeping records in order, while filling might refer to completing forms with necessary information.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
The process of filing often involves categorizing and labeling for easy retrieval. On the other hand, filling can be seen in various contexts, like filling a cavity in dentistry or filling a glass with water.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Filing can also mean submitting official documents, as in filing a lawsuit. In contrast, filling has culinary applications, such as the filling in a pie or sandwich.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Filing requires organizational skills to maintain a structured system. Filling, alternatively, may require precision, especially in contexts like construction or cooking, to ensure the right amount is used.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Organizing and storing documents systematically
Making something full or completing a space
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Usage Context
Office, legal, administrative
Culinary, construction, dental, forms
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Example Activity
Filing paperwork, submitting a lawsuit
Filling a cavity, making a pie
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Filing and Filling Definitions
Filing
Filing can be a legal process, such as filing a lawsuit.
The corporation is filing a lawsuit against the competitor for infringement.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Filling
Filling can also mean to occupy a space fully.
The foam is filling the gaps in the wall for insulation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Filing
Filing is a routine office task for maintaining records.
Her job includes filing all the correspondence in the appropriate folders.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Filling
Filling refers to the substance used to fill something, like in food.
The pie has a delicious apple filling.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Filing
A container, such as a cabinet or folder, for keeping papers in order.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Filing
A collection of papers or published materials kept or arranged in convenient order.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filling
Something used to fill a space, cavity, or container
A gold filling in a tooth.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filing
(Computers) A collection of data or program records stored as a unit with a single name.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filling
An edible mixture used to fill pastries, sandwiches, or cakes. See Note at frosting.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filing
A line of persons, animals, or things positioned one behind the other.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filing
(Games) Any of the rows of squares that run forward and backward between players on a playing board in chess or checkers.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filling
Of food, that satisfies the appetite by filling the stomach.
A filling meal
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filing
An official document that is filed with a court, government agency, or other legal or political institution.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filing
Any of several hardened steel tools with cutting ridges for forming, smoothing, or reducing especially metallic surfaces.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filling
(dentistry) Any material used to fill a cavity in a tooth or the result of using such material.
I will be using a rapid-setting cement filling.
My temporary filling fell out and got lost.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filling
(Protestantism) A religious experience attributed to the Holy Ghost "filling" a believer.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filling
That which is used to fill a cavity or any empty space, or to supply a deficiency; as, filling for a cavity in a tooth, a depression in a roadbed, the space between exterior and interior walls of masonry, the pores of open-grained wood, the space between the outer and inner planks of a vessel, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filing
To put or keep (papers, for example) in useful order for storage or reference.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filling
Any material that fills a space or container;
There was not enough fill for the trench
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filling
(dentistry) a dental appliance consisting of any of various substances (as metal or plastic) inserted into a prepared cavity in a tooth;
When he yawned I could see the gold fillings in his teeth
An informal British term for `filling' is `stopping'
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filing
To make application; apply
Filed for a job with the state.
File for a divorce.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filling
Filling means to put as much of a substance into a container as it can hold.
He is filling the water jug to the brim.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Filling
In dentistry, filling is the process of restoring a decayed tooth.
She went to the dentist to get a filling for her cavity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Filing
Any particle that has been removed by a file or similar implement; a shaving.
The process left metal filings all over the bench and the part.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filling
Filling out forms involves completing them with necessary information.
Please start filling out the application form while you wait.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Filing
A fragment or particle rubbed off by the act of filing; as, iron filings.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filing
The entering of a legal document into the public record;
He filed a complaint
He filed his tax return
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filing
Preservation and methodical arrangement as of documents and papers etc.;
I have some filing to do
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Filing
Filing is the process of arranging documents in a particular order.
She spent the afternoon filing the client's records alphabetically.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Filing
Filing can also refer to the submission of official documents.
He is filing a patent application for his invention.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Filing
Filing involves the systematic storage of information.
The company's filing system is digital and highly efficient.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is filling?
Filling is making something full or completing a space with a substance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What does filling mean in cooking?
It's the substance used inside foods like pies or pastries.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What does filling a form entail?
It means completing a form with required information.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is digital filing different from traditional filing?
It's similar in concept but uses electronic systems for storage.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is filing?
Filing is organizing documents systematically or submitting official papers.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How is filing used in an office?
It involves sorting and storing documents for easy access.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What's an example of filing in everyday life?
Filing bills and receipts at home for record-keeping.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What types of filling are used in dentistry?
Materials like composite resin, amalgam, or gold.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can filing refer to legal actions?
Yes, such as filing a lawsuit or a legal document.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Why is digital filing becoming more popular?
For its space-saving, security, and easy retrieval features.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How important is precision in filling?
Very, especially in tasks like baking or construction.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What skills are needed for effective filing?
Organizational and systematic categorization skills.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can filling be used in a medical context?
Yes, like dental fillings for cavities.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Do electronic systems change the basics of filing?
No, the principles of organization and categorization remain the same.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can filling refer to a process as well as a substance?
Yes, like the process of filling a cavity or the filling in a pie.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What's an example of filling in construction?
Filling cracks or gaps in walls with specific materials.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is filling always tangible?
Mostly, but it can also refer to abstract concepts like filling time.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How does filing aid in business efficiency?
It ensures quick retrieval and management of documents.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is filling a technical skill in certain jobs?
Yes, like in culinary arts or construction work.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What's the difference between filing cabinets and shelves?
Filing cabinets are specifically designed for storing files.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
