Word
mend
Phoneticsmend
US/ˈmɛnd/
UK/mˈɛnd/
Definition
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.
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.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object like 'clothes', 'fences', or 'ways'.
Pitfall
I mended my car yesterday
I fixed my car yesterday
Mend is usually reserved for soft materials or abstract things; use 'fix' or 'repair' for complex machinery like cars.
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/mend