What is “Repass” or “Repast”?
Have you ever seen those two words in use, and wondered what they mean? We want to know if they’re spelled correctly, if they’re synonyms and how we’re supposed to use those words in our regular vocabulary.
Repass or Repast – Which Spelling Is Correct?
Both “Repass” and “Repast” are uncommon words, not used very often. “Repass” is the action of passing an item to someone, a second time. “Repast” indicates a meal, in a very obsolete and old way. Both words aren’t used much in modern communications but can be found in literature.
“Repass” and “Repast” aren’t synonyms. Let’s look at some examples, to understand:
- The repass was simple, yet delicious. (incorrect)
- The repast was simple, yet delicious.
- Paula repassed the project to Josh, as he’s taking over.
- Paula repast the project to Josh, as he’s taking over. (incorrect)
The first set of examples show “Repast” being used to describe a delicious meal. The incorrect sentence uses “Repass”, which makes no sense in that context.
Likewise, in the second set of examples, Paula “Repasses” a project to Josh. The incorrect version replaces “Repass” for “Repast” and, obviously, the change doesn’t work well and the sentence stops making sense.
Repass
“Repass” is to pass again, especially in the opposite direction, or to return an item.
“Repass” isn’t acknowledged as a word in The Cambridge Dictionary, but its definition is found in The Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
Let’s look at some examples of “Repass” followed by different version of the sentence, using a synonym:
- When we repassed the house, I realized we were driving in circles.
- When we passed the house again, I realized we were driving in circles.
- Josh was happy to have the project repassed to him.
- Josh was happy to have the project returned to him.
- The resolution was clear and worked well last time. We should repass it.
- The resolution was clear and worked well last time. We should revisit it.
Every sentence with “Repass” is grammatically correct. However, “Repass” is indeed an obsolete word that may sound off in current conversations.
We added a revised version of each sentence, using a synonym, showing that the same message could be sent in a more modern way. “Repass” can be replaced by “pass again”, “return” or “revisit”, for example.
“Repass” could never be replaced by “Repast”, because those words have completely different meanings.
Repast
“Repast” is a meal. If used as a verb, it indicates the action of providing or serving a meal. It’s an obsolete word, not used very frequently now. Still, it’s correct and valid.
The Cambridge Dictionary provides a definition that agrees with the one presented above. Let’s look at some examples:
- The repast was made up of the finest ingredients they could find.
- During the repast, the guests took part in delightful conversation.
- Many guests of near-by restaurant who have just finished their repasts gravitated towards this bar.
- If you have all the ingredients, you can cook a fine repast.
- The community kitchen prepared repasts to distribute to those in need.
In each and every sentence, “Repast” indicates a meal. It’s quite possible that you could find modern words and expressions to replace “Repast” and make the sentence sound more current, if you wanted to.
Which Is Used the Most?
“Repass” and “Repast” aren’t exactly comparable, because they don’t share the same meaning. Still, we’re curious: do you think people say more “Repass” or “Repast”? Are the use of those words increasing or dropping?
Take a look at the graph from Google Ngram Viewer below, to find out.
“Repast” is used with more frequency than “Repass”. We weren’t surprised, because “Repass” is a difficult word to use, and is very obsolete.
But we were surprised to see that the use of “Repast” has been growing since the early 2000’s, becoming more common. Is it a trend, and we’ll all incorporate “Repast” to our vocabulary again?
Final Thoughts
“Repass” and “Repast” aren’t synonyms. Each word has a completely different use and meaning. “Repass” describes the fact that an item was (or will be) passed again, for a second time. “Repast” is a synonym of “meal” or of the action of “serving a meal”.