Mender: meaning, definitions and examples

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mender

 

[ˈmɛndər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

repair

A person or thing that mends, repairs, or restores

Synonyms

fixer, repairer, restorer.

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Word Description / Examples
mender

Typically used to describe a person who fixes small, everyday items like clothes, shoes, or household objects. This term suggests a skilled worker who makes minor repairs.

  • The mender at the local market did an excellent job fixing my torn jacket
  • Grandfather worked as a mender of shoes for many years
repairer

Used more formally to describe someone whose job is to repair a wide range of items, from appliances to machinery. Indicates a professional or skilled worker in the repair industry.

  • The repairer replaced the broken parts of the washing machine efficiently
  • A repairer was called in to fix the heating system
fixer

Commonly used in informal speech, referring to someone who solves problems or makes repairs, often in various contexts – from mechanical to interpersonal issues. The term can also refer to someone who deals with shady or illegal situations.

  • Sarah is the best fixer in the office; she can solve any problem quickly
  • The car broke down, but luckily, my uncle is a great fixer and got it running again
restorer

Refers to someone who specializes in bringing old or damaged items back to their original state. Often used for valuable, historical, or antique items such as artwork, buildings, or vintage furniture.

  • A skilled restorer worked on the ancient painting for months
  • They hired a restorer to refurbish the old family heirloom

Examples of usage

  • He is a skilled mender and can fix anything.
  • The mender quickly repaired the torn fabric.
  • She works as a mender in a local tailor shop.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

A person who helps others in resolving emotional or psychological issues

Synonyms

counselor, healer, therapist.

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Word Description / Examples
mender

Used in situations where someone repairs or fixes physical objects or metaphorically helps to repair emotional or relational issues. It can refer to both tangible and intangible forms of fixing.

  • He was a skilled mender of broken furniture.
  • She acted as a mender in their strained friendship, helping them resolve their differences.
therapist

Most often used in a clinical or professional setting, focusing on mental health, emotional well-being, and sometimes physical therapy. It involves structured sessions aimed at treatment and improvement.

  • She has been seeing a therapist to cope with her depression.
  • The physical therapist helped him regain strength after his surgery.
counselor

Typically applies in contexts where professional guidance is provided, often related to mental health, career advice, or personal problems. It implies someone who offers advice and support in a structured manner.

  • The school counselor helped him choose the right career path.
  • She sought out a counselor to help her deal with anxiety.
healer

Generally used in scenarios involving recovery from illness or injury, often with a focus on holistic or alternative care. It can also refer to someone who helps others overcome emotional pain. Note that it may have a spiritual or mystical connotation.

  • The healer used traditional herbs to treat the patient's ailment.
  • Many people visited the healer to find peace and recovery after trauma.

Examples of usage

  • She sought the advice of a professional mender to work through her trauma.
  • The therapist acted as a mender for the broken relationships within the family.
Context #3 | Verb

fixing

To repair or restore something to its original state

Synonyms

fix, repair, restore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
repair

Used for more formal situations or technical problems, often involving mechanical or structural issues.

  • The mechanic will repair the car engine.
  • We need to repair the roof before the rainy season.
fix

Commonly used in everyday language to indicate correcting any kind of problem or repairing various items.

  • Can you fix my phone?
  • They called the plumber to fix the leaky faucet.
restore

Used when bringing something back to its original state, often in the context of art, history, or buildings.

  • They worked to restore the ancient painting.
  • The team is planning to restore the old mansion.

Examples of usage

  • She mended the rip in her dress with a needle and thread.
  • He mended the broken fence to keep the animals out.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'mender' comes from the Old French word 'mendre', which means to mend or repair.
  • This word has roots in the Latin word 'mendicare', which means to beg or ask for help, connecting to the idea of fixing what is damaged.
  • The focus on repairing in the word reflects society's value on sustainability and caring for possessions.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the act of mending is not just practical but also carries emotional weight, often symbolizing healing relationships.
  • In Japanese culture, 'kintsugi' is the art of repairing pottery with gold, turning breaks into beautiful features, which speaks to the philosophy of embracing imperfections.
  • Menders are often celebrated in literature and folklore, being portrayed as wise figures who restore balance.

Literature

  • Menders often appear in stories as characters who help others by fixing their problems, embodying themes of redemption and healing.
  • In Albus Dumbledore’s lore from the 'Harry Potter' series, a mender symbolizes hope and the possibility of new beginnings.
  • The theme of mending can be found in poetry, where repairing something broken often serves as a metaphor for personal growth.

Psychology

  • The act of mending is linked to positive mental health benefits, as repairing broken items can promote feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction.
  • Mending relationships, like fixing a broken friendship, has been studied to reveal that it can enhance emotional resilience.
  • There’s a therapeutic aspect in mending, where the process provides a meditative experience, taking one’s mind off worry.

Modern Usage

  • In today’s world, the role of the mender has expanded with DIY culture, where individuals take pleasure in fixing things themselves.
  • Mending has gained renewed attention in the context of sustainability, as there’s a growing movement toward reducing waste by repairing instead of discarding.
  • Many communities now feature mending workshops, encouraging collaboration and skill-sharing among neighbors.

Translations

Translations of the word "mender" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reparador

🇮🇳 मरम्मत करने वाला

🇩🇪 Reparateur

🇮🇩 tukang perbaikan

🇺🇦 ремонтник

🇵🇱 naprawiacz

🇯🇵 修理人 (しゅうりにん)

🇫🇷 réparateur

🇪🇸 reparador

🇹🇷 tamirci

🇰🇷 수리공 (修理工)

🇸🇦 مصلح

🇨🇿 opravář

🇸🇰 opravár

🇨🇳 修理者 (修理者)

🇸🇮 popravljalec

🇮🇸 viðgerðarmaður

🇰🇿 жөндеуші

🇬🇪 შემკეთებელი

🇦🇿 təmirçi

🇲🇽 reparador

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,910, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.