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Repair Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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repair

[rɪˈpɛər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fixing

The action of fixing or mending something.

Synonyms

fixing, mending, restoration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
repair

Used for general situations where something broken or damaged needs to be made functional again.

  • The technician will repair the air conditioner.
  • I need to repair the broken chair.
fixing

Informal term for repair, often used in everyday conversation and can imply a quick or straightforward solution.

  • I'm fixing the kitchen sink.
  • He is fixing his car this weekend.
mending

Typically used for repairing fabric or clothing, or in a broader sense, for repairing something small and intricate. It may also carry a slightly old-fashioned or quaint connotation.

  • She is mending her son's torn trousers.
  • The old woman is mending the broken vase.
restoration

Implies returning something to its original condition, often used for historical buildings, artwork, antiques, and other valuable items. It suggests a careful and detailed process.

  • The museum is undergoing a restoration of its ancient paintings.
  • They are planning the restoration of the old theater.

Examples of usage

  • The repair of the car took longer than expected.
  • The repair of the broken window was urgent.
Context #2 | Verb

fix

To restore something to a good condition by fixing or mending it.

Synonyms

fix, mend, restore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
repair

Typically used in contexts involving technical or mechanical tasks, such as electronics, machinery, and vehicles. Indicates a thorough process of making something functional again.

  • The mechanic will repair the car's engine.
  • She repaired the broken toaster.
fix

Commonly used in everyday speech to describe resolving problems or making broken items work again. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.

  • Can you fix the leaky faucet?
  • We need to fix this issue before the meeting.
mend

Often used when referring to fixing something that is torn or broken, especially fabric or clothing. It can also imply a more delicate or careful process.

  • She mended the tear in her dress.
  • He mended the broken fence.
restore

Used in situations where something is returned to its original or proper state, often with historical, artistic, or architectural connotations.

  • The art expert will restore the old painting.
  • They restored the building to its former glory.

Examples of usage

  • He repaired the broken chair with glue.
  • She repaired the leaky faucet in the kitchen.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'repair'

The word 'repair' originated from the Middle English 'repairen', from Old French 'reparer', from Latin 'reparare' (to restore). The concept of repairing has been essential throughout human history, from fixing tools and clothing in ancient times to repairing modern technology and infrastructure.

See also: impair, pair, paired, pairing, unpaired.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,356, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.