Enclosed vs. Attached — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
"Enclosed" means something is contained within a space or envelope, while "Attached" refers to something joined or connected to another.
Difference Between Enclosed and Attached
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Enclosed typically refers to something that is contained within an area or surrounded by something else, with a sense of being completely closed off from what's outside. Attached, on the other hand, conveys the idea of something being connected or affixed to another thing, but not necessarily contained within it. Both words suggest a relationship between objects, yet the nature of the relationship is distinct.
When we say an item is enclosed, it implies the item is completely surrounded or encased within another. The word attached suggests the item is adhered, affixed, or tied to another item but is not covered or surrounded by it. Enclosed can also imply a level of protection or concealment, whereas attached might simply indicate that two items are joined.
In the context of correspondence, enclosed is often used to refer to documents placed within the same package or envelope as a letter. Attached, in contrast, is used to denote documents that are appended to the letter itself or included as part of an email. The word enclosed often conveys a physical containment, whereas attached can be both physical and digital.
In legal or formal documents, "enclosed" may also signify that materials are included within the body of a document. "Attached" might mean additional documents are provided alongside the main document but are separate. Despite the technicalities, both terms ensure the recipient is aware of the inclusion of additional information or items.
"Enclosed" can also mean that something is included within the confines of a physical space, like a yard or room. "Attached," in such contexts, would imply that something is physically joined to the space, like an attached garage to a house. These terms help describe the spatial and structural relationships between different objects or spaces.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Implies being surrounded or contained.
Suggests being joined or connected.
Usage in Mail
Items within a package or envelope.
Items connected to the main document.
Physical vs. Digital
More often physical, less commonly digital.
Can be either physical or digital.
Relationship
Signifies containment within something.
Indicates a connection without containment.
In Space
Denotes full enclosure in a space.
Refers to an addition or extension.
Compare with Definitions
Enclosed
Contained within an area or space.
The garden was enclosed by a tall fence.
Attached
Accompanied by another item or document.
Please see the attached file for my report.
Enclosed
Surrounded or closed off from all sides.
They sat in an enclosed patio shielded from the wind.
Attached
Included as a part of something.
The application form had a checklist attached at the end.
Enclosed
Included within the same wrapping or envelope.
Enclosed in this letter you will find your tickets.
Attached
Joined or connected to something else.
A storage shed is attached to the house.
Enclosed
Confined within boundaries.
The animals were kept in an enclosed area for safety.
Attached
Physically affixed or fastened.
The attached limbs were a result of the doll's design.
Enclosed
To surround on all sides; close in
A valley that is enclosed by rugged peaks.
Attached
Emotionally connected or bonded with someone or something.
She's very attached to her grandfather's watch.
Enclosed
To fence in so as to prevent common use
Enclosed the pasture.
Attached
"Attached" is the 160th episode of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. The eighth episode of the seventh season.
Enclosed
To build or equip with a roof and walls
Enclosed the deck for winter use.
Attached
(Architecture) Joined to or by a wall, especially by sharing a wall with another building; not freestanding
A block of attached houses.
Enclosed
To contain, especially so as to envelop or shelter
"Every one of those darkly clustered houses encloses its own secret" (Charles Dickens).
Attached
(Biology) Fixed to a surface for one part of the life cycle, as a barnacle.
Enclosed
To insert into the same envelope or package
Enclose a check with the order.
Attached
Feeling affection for someone; fond or involved
She is very attached to her cousins.
Enclosed
Contained; held within a container.
The gas is completely enclosed within the bottle.
Attached
Simple past tense and past participle of attach
Enclosed
Surrounded by a wall, fence or similar barrier.
An enclosed garden
Attached
Connected; joined.
Enclosed
Having closed slats.
Attached
Fond of (used with to).
I'm very attached to my pets.
Enclosed
Simple past tense and past participle of enclose
Attached
In a romantic or sexual relationship.
As far as I know, he isn't attached, so I'm going to invite him out on a date.
I'm not ready to get attached, as I want to continue sleeping around.
Enclosed
Surrounded or closed in, usually on all sides. Opposite of unenclosed.
Attached
Broadly joined to a stem or stipe, but not decurrent.
In this group of mushrooms, the attachment of the gills to the stipe ranges from attached to almost decurrent.
Enclosed
Closed in or surrounded or included within;
An enclosed porch
An enclosed yard
The enclosed check is to cover shipping and handling
Attached
Of a residential building, sharing walls with similar buildings on two, usually opposite, sides.
Enclosed
Sealed within a container or package.
The enclosed locket held a tiny photograph.
Attached
Fastened together.
Attached
Being joined in close association; - of people or organizations.
Attached
Fastened onto another object; - of objects smaller than the main object.
Attached
Connected by a common wall or passageway; - used of buildings.
Attached
Permanently attached to a substrate; not free to move about.
Attached
Associated in an exclusive sexual relationship; - opposite of unattached.
Attached
Fastened together;
A picnic table with attached benches
Attached
Being joined in close association;
Affiliated clubs
All art schools whether independent or attached to universities
Attached
Used of buildings joined by common sidewalls;
A block of attached houses
Attached
Permanently attached to a substrate; not free to move about;
An attached oyster
Sessile marine animals and plants
Attached
Associated in an exclusive sexual relationship
Common Curiosities
Can I use "attached" to describe a PDF sent by email?
Yes, "attached" is used for documents or files added to an email.
Can "enclosed" be used in legal documents?
Yes, it often indicates materials contained within the main document.
When should I use "enclosed" in a letter?
Use "enclosed" when referring to items within the same envelope or package as the letter.
Is "enclosed" only used for physical items?
Primarily, yes, but it can also be metaphorical, as in "enclosed space."
What does "please find attached" mean?
It means to look for additional documents provided with the communication.
Is an "attached" file the same as an "embedded" file?
No, "attached" means it's added to a message, while "embedded" is inserted into the content.
Do "enclosed" and "attached" mean the same in the context of architecture?
Not exactly; "enclosed" refers to spaces completely surrounded by structures, while "attached" means additions or extensions to a structure.
Does "attached" imply physical attachment only?
No, it can refer to both physical and digital attachment.
Can a person be described as "enclosed"?
Not typically, unless you mean they are in a confined space.
If something is "attached," is it permanent?
Not necessarily; it can be temporary or removable.
Can "enclosed" refer to a space like a yard?
Yes, if the yard is completely surrounded by a barrier.
Is "attached" used in real estate?
Yes, to describe features that are physically connected to the property.
Does "enclosed" mean the same as "included"?
Similar, but "enclosed" often implies physical containment.
Can I use "enclosed herewith" in a cover letter?
Yes, it formally indicates that other documents are included with the cover letter.
Can I use "enclosed" for attachments in an email?
It's not common; "attached" is the proper term for email.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
