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Does fill mean full?

ebee
If I fill something does that mean simply getting some substance and putting it into a container i.e a cup of water into an empty sink or does it usually mean filling such sink to the top?

In other words however many (or few) cupsfull are poured in it is filling or is it only a filling action if totally filled at the end of the procedure?
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  • 0
    This is what the OED saith:


     I. To make full.

     1. To supply with as much as can be held or contained; to put or pour something into (a receptacle) till no more can be received.


    Driver: fill 'er up mate!

    Pump attendant gets in as much petrol as possible.


    Drinker: barman, could you put a whisky in that?

    Barman: yes I should think so.

    Drinker: well fill it up then please - I've paid for a pint.


    However, this becomes slightly difficult if it is an over-sized glass with a pint mark. In essence it has been filled when the mark has been reached.


    Similarly, the astute amongst us will know that a 5 l petrol container does not start to overflow the moment that 5 l have been dispensed.


    If your dentist drilled out your tooth and put a filling in, you wouldn't be happy if the cavity had any space left in it. And if a customer paid you to dig a trench, put a cable in, and fill it afterwards, he wouldn't be happy if you left a dip in the ground. (See, I've got the thread back to wiring! ? )


    So strictly, fill makes full, but context matters.
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  • 0
    This is what the OED saith:


     I. To make full.

     1. To supply with as much as can be held or contained; to put or pour something into (a receptacle) till no more can be received.


    Driver: fill 'er up mate!

    Pump attendant gets in as much petrol as possible.


    Drinker: barman, could you put a whisky in that?

    Barman: yes I should think so.

    Drinker: well fill it up then please - I've paid for a pint.


    However, this becomes slightly difficult if it is an over-sized glass with a pint mark. In essence it has been filled when the mark has been reached.


    Similarly, the astute amongst us will know that a 5 l petrol container does not start to overflow the moment that 5 l have been dispensed.


    If your dentist drilled out your tooth and put a filling in, you wouldn't be happy if the cavity had any space left in it. And if a customer paid you to dig a trench, put a cable in, and fill it afterwards, he wouldn't be happy if you left a dip in the ground. (See, I've got the thread back to wiring! ? )


    So strictly, fill makes full, but context matters.
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