Mend: meaning, definitions and examples

Mend is typically used for fixing something that is broken or damaged, especially when it comes to clothes or small items.

• She needs to mend the tear in her dress.
• The cobbler mended my old shoes.

Repair is a more formal term used for restoring something to its original or functional state, often used in technical contexts.

• The mechanic repaired my car.
• The clock needs to be repaired.

Fix is a general term used in everyday language for correcting or repairing anything that is broken or not working properly.

• Can you fix my computer?
• They fixed the broken window.

Restore is used when something is returned to its former glory, condition, or a previous state, often involving significant effort and time.

• They restored the ancient painting.
• The old building was restored to its original beauty.

Patch up is often used for making temporary or minor repairs, or improving relationships after conflicts.

• He patched up the leak in the roof.
• They managed to patch up their friendship after the argument.

Fix up is often used for making improvements or renovations to something, especially places or homes.

• We plan to fix up the kitchen this summer.
• They fixed up the old house before selling it.

Used mostly for fixing clothes or small items. It suggests simple repairs to bring something back to a functional state.

• She mended the tear in her dress.
• I need to mend my old shoes.

Formal term for fixing something that is broken or damaged. Often used in technical or professional contexts.

• The mechanic will repair the car.
• It took a week to repair the damage after the storm.

A versatile term for repairing a wide variety of objects, situations, or problems, from broken items to resolving issues.

• Can you fix my computer?
• We need to fix the leaky faucet.

Implies bringing something back to its original state, often used for old, historical, or valuable items.

• The museum began the restoration of the ancient painting.
• The restoration of the vintage car took several years.

Usually refers to a temporary or quick repair, and can also mean healing or mending relationships.

• They patched up the hole in the wall.
• We need to patch up our differences.

Commonly used to describe making something look better or improving its condition. Often implies a more detailed or thorough process than just 'fix'.

• They fixed up the old house before selling it.
• I'm going to fix up the garden for the summer.