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mend

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈmɛnd// UK //mˈɛnd// mend Archaic Dialect

v. to fix something that is broken or damaged so that you can use it again. You usually use this for clothes, shoes, or relationships.

v. to repair something that is broken, torn, or malfunctioning; to restore to a sound condition. Often used metaphorically regarding social or emotional connections.


SIMPLE

I need to mend the hole in my favorite socks.

CONTEXTUAL

After their big argument, they spent the weekend trying to mend their relationship.

COMPLEX

The local tailor is famous for his ability to mend antique garments without leaving any visible trace of the original damage.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object like 'clothes', 'fences', or 'ways'.

Pitfall

I mended my car yesterdayI fixed my car yesterdayMend is usually reserved for soft materials or abstract things; use 'fix' or 'repair' for complex machinery like cars.

Idioms4 entries

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