repair
UK[rɪˈpɛː]US[rɪˈpɛr]
v
To fix something that is broken, damaged, or not working properly.
n
The act or process of fixing something that is broken, damaged, or not working properly.
n
A part that has been fixed or the condition of something after it has been fixed.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
pair
re
again
pair
make ready
Etymology
The word "repair" entered English in the 14th century from Old French reparer, which itself descended from Latin reparare. This Latin verb is a compound of the prefix re- ("again") and parare ("to make ready, prepare"). The literal, ancient logic is thus "to make ready again" or "to restore to a prepared state." Over centuries, this core concept of restoration narrowed and specialized in English to focus primarily on the act of fixing physical objects, moving from a general sense of renewal to the specific modern meaning of mending something broken.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + pair (make ready)
- re: A Latin prefix meaning "again" or "back." It indicates repetition or restoration.
- pair: From Latin parare, meaning "to make ready, prepare, or put in order." Its functional role is the core verb root.
Examples
It will cost a lot to repair the roof.
The car is beyond repair after the accident.
He is skilled at the repair of antique clocks.