repair
repair Lexical Profile
repair Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The action, process, or result of restoring something damaged, faulty, or worn to a good working condition.
"The historic bridge was closed for several months to undergo structural repairs."
The relative physical condition or state of something with respect to how well it has been maintained.
"Despite its age, the farmhouse was kept in remarkably good repair by its owners."
• verb
To restore something damaged, faulty, or worn to a good working condition.
"The technician arrived early this morning to repair the faulty heating system."
To set right, rectify, or make amends for a strained relationship, injury, or mistake.
"Both leaders expressed a sincere desire to repair diplomatic relations between the two nations."
To go or betake oneself to a specified place, especially in company or for refuge and relaxation (formal or literary).
"After dinner, the guests repaired to the drawing room for coffee and conversation."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Repair' actually comprises two distinct homographs with different Latin roots: the common word meaning 'to fix' derives from Latin 'reparare' (to make ready again), while the formal verb meaning 'to go to a place' derives from Late Latin 'repatriare' (to return to one's country).
• Rhymes for repair
Word Origin & Etymology
Sense 1 (to mend or restore) comes from Middle English via Old French 'reparer', from Latin 'reparare' ('to restore, put back in order'), formed from 're-' (again) and 'parare' (to make ready). Sense 2 (to go to a place) derives from Old French 'repairer' ('to return home'), from Late Latin 'repatriare' ('to return to one's native land').