ENGLISH
REFERENCE

repair

v. · n.
US //ɹɪˈpɛɹ// re·pair
  1. 1 to fix something (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to fix something that is broken, damaged, or not working correctly.

    to restore an object or system to sound condition after damage or failure.

    Example

    The mechanic had to repair the engine after the car broke down on the highway.

    Example

    The specialist was called in to repair the delicate internal circuitry of the satellite before the scheduled launch window closed.

    Usage

    This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.
  2. 2 to go to a place (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Literary

    to go to a specific place, often for a particular reason.

    to go or betake oneself to a place; often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a group moving to another room.

    Example

    After the long meeting, the committee members decided to repair to the café for lunch.

    Example

    Upon the conclusion of the formal dinner, the guests were invited to repair to the drawing room for coffee and conversation.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'to'.
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  1. 3 the act of fixing (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the work done to fix something that was broken.

    the act or process of restoring something to a functional or sound state.

    Example

    The roof is leaking, so we need to pay for some expensive repairs.

    Example

    The structural repairs to the bridge took nearly six months to complete, causing significant traffic delays throughout the city.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural when referring to specific tasks.
  2. 4 condition (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the physical state of a building or object.

    the state of being in good or bad condition, especially regarding the need for maintenance.

    Example

    The old house has been empty for years and is now in a poor state of repair.

    Example

    The landlord is legally obligated to keep the exterior of the property in good repair throughout the duration of the lease.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrases 'in good repair' or 'in poor repair'.
Etymology 1

Coined between 1300 and 1350 from Middle English repairen, from Middle French reparer, from Latin reparō (“renew, repair”).

Etymology 2

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.

Etymology 3

From re- + pair.

Word family

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