repair
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to fix something that is broken, damaged, or not working correctly.
v.to restore an object or system to sound condition after damage or failure.
Simple“The mechanic had to repair the engine after the car broke down on the highway.”
In context“The specialist was called in to repair the delicate internal circuitry of the satellite before the scheduled launch window closed.”
UsageThis is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
v.to go to a specific place, often for a particular reason.
v.to go or betake oneself to a place; often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a group moving to another room.
Simple“After the long meeting, the committee members decided to repair to the café for lunch.”
In context“Upon the conclusion of the formal dinner, the guests were invited to repair to the drawing room for coffee and conversation.”
UsageUsually followed by the preposition 'to'.
- 03 B1 Intermediate
n.the work done to fix something that was broken.
n.the act or process of restoring something to a functional or sound state.
Simple“The roof is leaking, so we need to pay for some expensive repairs.”
In context“The structural repairs to the bridge took nearly six months to complete, causing significant traffic delays throughout the city.”
UsageOften used in the plural when referring to specific tasks.
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the physical state of a building or object.
n.the state of being in good or bad condition, especially regarding the need for maintenance.
Simple“The old house has been empty for years and is now in a poor state of repair.”
In context“The landlord is legally obligated to keep the exterior of the property in good repair throughout the duration of the lease.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrases 'in good repair' or 'in poor repair'.
Coined between 1300 and 1350 from Middle English repairen, from Middle French reparer, from Latin reparō (“renew, repair”).
From Middle English repairen (“to return”), from Old French repairier, from Late Latin repatriare (“to return to one's country”), from re- + patria (“homeland”). Cognate to repatriate.
From re- + pair.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.