Repair
/rɪˈpɛər/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo fix something that is broken or damaged.
/rɪˈpɛər/
To restore something damaged, broken, or faulty.
He repaired the broken window.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite toy broke. Repairing it means making it good as new! It's like a superhero fixing things.
👶 For kids: To fix something that's broken.
More Examples
The plumber repaired the burst pipe.
She repaired her torn dress.
How It's Used
"The mechanic repaired the car's engine."
"I need to repair the leaky faucet."
The process of fixing something that is broken or damaged; the result of fixing something.
/rɪˈpɛər/
The act of mending or restoring something.
The car needed a major repair.
💡 Simply: The 'repair' is what you did to make the toy work again. It's the fixing job.
👶 For kids: When you fix something that is broken, that's a repair.
More Examples
The cost of the repairs was unexpectedly high.
They carried out some quick repairs to the bridge.
How It's Used
"The phone needs a repair before it can be used."
"The repair of the roof was expensive."
Idioms & expressions
in good repair
In a state of being well-maintained and not damaged.
"The old building was still in good repair."
beyond repair
Impossible to fix or restore to a good condition.
"The relationship was beyond repair after the betrayal."
From Middle English *repairen*, from Old French *reparer* (“to repair, mend”), from Latin *reparare* (“to restore, renew”), from *re-* (“again”) + *parare* (“to prepare, furnish”).
The word 'repair' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to the act of restoring something or returning it to a good condition. It has evolved from primarily physical restoration to also encompass other types of improvement.
Memory tip
Think of "re-pair" - bringing back a pair, or putting things back together.
Word Origin
"to restore, renew"