Skip to main content

repair — to fix something that is broken or damaged

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to fix something that is broken or damaged

Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈper/

Example Sentences

  • My dad thinks he can repair anything with duct tape and optimism.
  • The mechanic said my car would cost more to repair than to replace.
  • She's trying to repair her reputation after the embarrassing karaoke incident.

repair

VERB

[/rɪˈper/]

to fix something that is broken or damaged

The old watchmaker carefully repairs the broken pocket watch on his workbench.
💡 Concept

The old watchmaker carefully repairs the broken pocket watch on his workbench.

RE(again) + PAIR(match together) — actively bringing the two broken halves RE(again) into a perfect PAIR(match), the carpenter was able to repair the wooden toy.
🧠 Mnemonic

RE(again) + PAIR(match together) — actively bringing the two broken halves RE(again) into a perfect PAIR(match), the carpenter was able to repair the wooden toy.

After falling through the broken chair, he threw his hands up in despair before grabbing his hammer to successfully repair it.
🎵 Rhyme

After falling through the broken chair, he threw his hands up in despair before grabbing his hammer to successfully repair it.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/rɪˈper/
🇬🇧 UK/rɪˈpeə(r)/

🌳Etymology

Prefixre--
Rootpair

Origin

The word derives from Latin, combining the prefix 're-' (again) with 'parare' (to prepare). This fusion created the meaning 'to prepare again' or 'to restore,' reflecting the process of restoring something damaged to a functional state.

Breakdown

re- (again) + parare (to prepare). The prefix 're-' denotes repetition or restoration, while 'parare' means to make ready or prepare, together forming the concept of making something ready or whole again.

🎵Rhyme

care
share
prepare
declare

🔗Collocations

repair damage
repair shop
beyond repair
repair work
repair a relationship
under repair
repair costs

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My dad thinks he can repair anything with duct tape and optimism.”

“The mechanic said my car would cost more to repair than to replace.”

😄 Fun example

“She's trying to repair her reputation after the embarrassing karaoke incident.”

“The city allocated funds to repair the damaged infrastructure.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.