# mend

/ˈmɛnd/ (US) · /mˈɛnd/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mend
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- I need to mend the hole in my favorite socks.
- After their big argument, they spent the weekend trying to mend their relationship.
- The local tailor is famous for his ability to mend antique garments without leaving any visible trace of the original damage.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I mended my car yesterday" but "I fixed my car yesterday" — Mend is usually reserved for soft materials or abstract things; use 'fix' or 'repair' for complex machinery like cars.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.