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Patch: meaning, definitions and examples

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patch

 

[pætʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on clothing

A small piece of material used to mend a hole or tear in a garment.

Synonyms

fix, mend, repair.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patch

Used when temporarily covering or fixing small holes, tears, or weak points, especially in fabric or software. Indicates a less permanent solution.

  • I need to patch this hole in my jeans before wearing them again.
  • The software team released a patch to address the security vulnerability.
mend

Typically used for repairing small damages in fabric, clothes, or soft materials. It has a slightly more gentle and hands-on connotation.

  • She learned how to mend socks from her grandmother.
  • Can you mend this tear in my shirt?
repair

Implies making something damaged or broken functional again. Often used for technical, mechanical, or more significant types of fixes. More formal than 'fix'.

  • The mechanic will repair the car's engine.
  • We called a plumber to repair the leaky faucet.
fix

A general term for correcting problems or restoring something to a working condition. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Could you fix the washing machine? It's not working properly.
  • We need to fix these errors in the report before the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • She sewed a patch over the hole in her jeans.
  • The patch on his jacket was starting to come loose.
Context #2 | Noun

software

A small piece of code designed to update or improve a computer program.

Synonyms

fix, update, upgrade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patch

Use 'patch' when referring to a small piece of software designed to correct or enhance an existing program. This is often used in the context of fixing bugs or vulnerabilities.

  • The software company released a patch to address the security hole in their program.
  • You'll need to install the latest patch to fix that issue.
update

Use 'update' when referring to bringing something to a more recent version or state. This can apply to software, information, or even skills.

  • Make sure you update your antivirus software regularly.
  • She needs to update her resume before applying for the new job.
upgrade

Use 'upgrade' when referring to replacing or improving something to a higher standard or newer version. This is often used with technology and services.

  • I decided to upgrade my phone to the latest model.
  • The hotel offers room upgrades for an additional fee.
fix

Use 'fix' in a general context when referring to repairing or correcting something that is broken or malfunctioning. It can apply to software, hardware, or even situations.

  • I need to fix my computer; it's not turning on.
  • We have a meeting tomorrow to discuss how to fix the declining sales.

Examples of usage

  • The latest patch fixed several bugs in the software.
  • Make sure to install the security patch to protect your system.
Context #3 | Verb

mend

To mend or repair something by adding a patch.

Synonyms

fix, mend, repair.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patch

Used when temporarily covering or fixing a small area of damage or a minor issue, often in a quick or provisional manner. Commonly used for software updates or simple repairs.

  • He patched the hole in his jeans with a piece of fabric.
  • The software update included a patch to fix security vulnerabilities.
mend

Often used for repairing something that is physically broken or torn, particularly clothing or fabric. It carries a sense of careful, detailed work.

  • I need to mend the tear in my shirt.
  • He mended the broken fence.
repair

Used for making something that is damaged or not working properly functional again, can imply a thorough or professional approach. Suitable for mechanical, electronic, and other tangible items.

  • The mechanic will repair the car engine.
  • The technician repaired the broken computer.
fix

Used to describe making something that is broken or damaged functional again. Can apply to a wide range of repairs, from simple to complex issues.

  • Can you fix the broken window?
  • She tried to fix the leaking faucet.

Examples of usage

  • She patched up the hole in the wall with some plaster.
  • He patched his old jeans to make them last longer.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Old French 'pache', which means a piece of cloth.
  • It has roots in Middle English, where 'pacche' also referred to a small piece or patch.
  • The usage of the term has evolved over centuries to include both physical patches and metaphorical uses.

Culture

  • Patches have long been used in fashion, not only to repair clothing but as a decorative element in trends like punk rock.
  • In Native American culture, patches may be used in ceremonial clothing, symbolizing the mending of relationships.
  • Collecting patches has become a popular hobby, especially in the camping and outdoor community, where patches often represent accomplishments or places visited.

Technology

  • In software, a 'patch' refers to code updates that fix errors or vulnerabilities, helping to improve performance and security.
  • The concept of software patches became important in the 1970s, as computers and software began to proliferate.
  • These digital patches are essential in today's tech landscape to keep systems safe from threats.

Psychology

  • In therapy, the idea of 'patching' emotional wounds relates to healing from past traumas or difficult experiences.
  • Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy aim to help 'patch' negative thought patterns with healthier ones.
  • The metaphor of patching can describe the ongoing effort needed to maintain mental well-being.

Literature

  • Patches appear frequently in classic literature, often symbolizing imperfections or the need for repair in characters' lives.
  • The idea of a patchwork narrative can refer to stories composed of differing perspectives or timeframes sewn together.
  • In poetry, patches can symbolize fragments of memories, representing the tapestry of life's experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "patch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 remendo

🇮🇳 पैच

🇩🇪 Flicken

🇮🇩 tambalan

🇺🇦 латка

🇵🇱 łatka

🇯🇵 パッチ

🇫🇷 patch

🇪🇸 parche

🇹🇷 yama

🇰🇷 패치

🇸🇦 رقعة

🇨🇿 záplata

🇸🇰 záplata

🇨🇳 补丁

🇸🇮 obliž

🇮🇸 plástur

🇰🇿 жамау

🇬🇪 პაჩი

🇦🇿 yama

🇲🇽 parche

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,309 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.