Mended: meaning, definitions and examples

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mended

 

[ˈmɛndɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in clothing context

Repaired or fixed, especially in a neat and tidy way.

Synonyms

fixed, patched, repaired.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mended

Typically used for repairing clothes, small household items, or anything that required stitching or small adjustments. It implies careful and meticulous work.

  • She mended the tear in her favorite dress.
  • He mended the broken toy for his child.
repaired

Used in more formal or technical contexts. It implies a thorough or professional job and is commonly used for mechanical, electrical, or technical repairs.

  • The mechanic repaired the car's engine.
  • The technician repaired the broken refrigerator.
fixed

A general term used in everyday language for any repair work. It can apply to almost anything that is broken or not working properly.

  • The plumber fixed the leaking pipe.
  • I fixed the computer by rebooting it.
patched

Often refers to temporary repairs. It is commonly used for fixing holes in fabric or for software updates that fix bugs. It has a connotation of something being temporary or not fully resolved.

  • He patched the hole in his jeans.
  • The developer patched the software to fix a security vulnerability.

Examples of usage

  • The mended coat looked as good as new.
  • She wore a mended dress to the party.
Context #2 | Verb

general context

To repair or fix something, especially in a careful or skillful way.

Synonyms

fix, repair, restore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mended

Used when talking about fixing something that was broken or damaged, often referring to fabrics or relationships.

  • She mended the torn dress
  • They mended their friendship after the argument
repair

Commonly used for more complex or technical fixes, often involving machinery or structures.

  • The mechanic repaired my car
  • The plumber repaired the leaking pipe
fix

A general term used for repairing or making something work again.

  • Can you fix the broken chair? He fixed the computer in just an hour
restore

Used when bringing something back to its original condition, often implying significant effort and attention to detail.

  • They restored the old painting
  • He restored the vintage car to its former glory

Examples of usage

  • He mended the broken fence.
  • She mended the relationship with her friend.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'mendier', meaning to beg or to repair.
  • In Middle English, 'menden' was used to signify the act of fixing or healing.
  • The root can be traced back to Latin 'mendicare', which means to request or to seek.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the act of mending is seen as a virtue, reflecting care and resourcefulness.
  • The Japanese art of 'Kintsugi' illustrates mending pottery with gold, celebrating flaws and repairs instead of hiding them.
  • Mending has also inspired various artisanal movements focusing on sustainability and repairing items instead of tossing them out.

Literature

  • The theme of mending often appears in tales of reconciliation and recovery, showcasing transformation and healing.
  • In Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations', the act of mending symbolizes personal growth and newfound understanding.
  • 'The Velveteen Rabbit' addresses emotional mending, emphasizing how love and experience can repair and transform.

Psychology

  • Mending emotional wounds is essential in psychology; healing from trauma often involves revisiting and repairing past experiences.
  • Therapeutic practices like cognitive-behavioral therapy often focus on mending thought patterns and beliefs to foster better mental health.
  • Forgiveness is considered an emotional mending process, pivotal for personal happiness and relational health.

Art and Design

  • The 'mended' aesthetic has led to a trend in fashion and home décor, where visible repairs add character to items.
  • In textile art, mending techniques such as patchwork reflect creativity and individuality, turning imperfections into statements.
  • Artists worldwide use mending as a metaphor for resilience, creating works that embody ideas of repair and restoration.

Translations

Translations of the word "mended" in other languages:

🇵🇹 consertado

🇮🇳 मरम्मत किया हुआ (Marammat kiya hua)

🇩🇪 repariert

🇮🇩 diperbaiki

🇺🇦 полагоджений

🇵🇱 naprawiony

🇯🇵 修理された (Shūri sa reta)

🇫🇷 réparé

🇪🇸 reparado

🇹🇷 tamir edilmiş

🇰🇷 수리된 (Suridoen)

🇸🇦 مُصَلَّح (musallaḥ)

🇨🇿 opravený

🇸🇰 opravený

🇨🇳 修复的 (Xiūfù de)

🇸🇮 popravljen

🇮🇸 viðgerð

🇰🇿 жөнделген

🇬🇪 შეკეთებული (shek'et'ebuli)

🇦🇿 təmir edilmiş

🇲🇽 reparado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,644, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.