Repair vs. Reparation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Repair" refers to fixing something that is broken or damaged, typically physical objects, while "reparation" often involves making amends for a wrongdoing, usually in a social or political context.
Difference Between Repair and Reparation
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Repair is commonly used to describe the act of restoring something broken or malfunctioning, such as electronics, vehicles, or structures, to a good condition. Whereas reparation generally refers to compensation or restitution provided for past injustices or damages, such as in legal or historical contexts.
Repair can be a routine part of maintenance to extend the usability of an item or system. On the other hand, reparation is often associated with moral and ethical implications of correcting historical wrongs, suggesting a deeper social responsibility.
The process of repair usually involves physical tools and materials to fix tangible objects. While reparation may involve financial payments, formal apologies, or other societal actions to address grievances between communities, nations, or individuals.
Repair is typically a task performed by technicians, mechanics, or DIY enthusiasts. Conversely, reparation is usually managed by governments, organizations, or as part of legal settlements, indicating its complexity and scale.
In terms of scope, repair is often immediate and focused on functionality. Eucalyptus, however, carries broader implications, aiming to heal relationships and provide justice, which can span generations and require ongoing efforts.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Restoration of something broken
Compensation for wrongs
Context
Technical, maintenance
Legal, historical
Tools Used
Physical tools/materials
Financial, legal instruments
Performed by
Technicians, individuals
Governments, organizations
Scope
Immediate, functional
Long-term, societal
Compare with Definitions
Repair
Work undertaken to fix mechanical problems.
The plumbing repair took all day.
Reparation
Financial or material restitution to victims.
The court ordered reparations to the affected families.
Repair
Routine maintenance to prevent future issues.
Regular roof repairs can prevent leaks.
Reparation
Efforts to restore equity or heal divisions.
The reparations program aimed to rebuild trust in the community.
Repair
Restoring the functionality of electronic devices.
She specializes in computer repairs.
Reparation
Compensation offered for past injustices or harm.
The government discussed war reparations.
Repair
To restore to sound condition after damage or injury; fix
Repaired the broken watch.
Reparation
Actions taken to amend systemic injustices.
They are seeking reparations for historical inequalities.
Repair
To set right; remedy
Repair an oversight.
Reparation
Apologies or formal acknowledgments of wrongdoing.
The official apology was part of the reparations.
Repair
To restore or renew
Repair the immune system.
Reparation
The act or process of making amends for a wrong.
Repair
To make up for or compensate for (a loss or wrong, for example).
Reparation
Something done or money paid to make amends or compensate for a wrong.
Repair
To make repairs.
Reparation
Reparations Compensation or remuneration, as for damage or economic loss, required from a nation defeated in war.
Repair
To betake oneself; go
Repair to the dining room.
Reparation
The act or process of repairing or the condition of being repaired.
Repair
To go frequently or habitually
Repairs to the restaurant every week.
Reparation
A payment of time, effort or money to compensate for past transgression(s).
Repair
The work, act, or process of repairing.
Reparation
(archaic) The act of renewing, restoring, etc., or the state of being renewed or repaired.
The reparation of a bridge or of a highway
Repair
Often repairs An instance or a result of repairing
The accident resulted in a costly repair to the car. My bike is in the shop for repairs.
Reparation
The act of renewing, restoring, etc., or the state of being renewed or repaired; as, the reparation of a bridge or of a highway; - in this sense, repair is oftener used.
Repair
The state of being fit for use
The furnace is out of repair.
Reparation
The act of making amends or giving satisfaction or compensation for a wrong, injury, etc.; also, the thing done or given; amends; satisfaction; indemnity; -used, e.g. in the phrase make reparation, pay reparations, or make reparations.
I am sensible of the scandal I have given by my loose writings, and make what reparation I am able.
Repair
General condition after use or repairing
In good repair.
Reparation
Compensation (given or received) for an insult or injury;
An act for which there is no reparation
Repair
An act of going or sojourning
Our annual repair to the mountains.
Reparation
(usually plural) compensation exacted from a defeated nation by the victors;
Germany was unable to pay the reparations demanded after Wordl War I
Repair
A place to which one goes frequently or habitually; a haunt.
Reparation
The act of putting something in working order again
Repair
To restore to good working order, fix, or improve damaged condition; to mend; to remedy.
To repair a house, a road, a shoe, a ship
To repair a shattered fortune
Reparation
Something done or paid in expiation of a wrong;
How can I make amends
Repair
To make amends for, as for an injury, by an equivalent; to indemnify for.
To repair a loss or damage
Repair
To transfer oneself to another place.
To repair to sanctuary for safety
Repair
To pair again.
Please try to repair the two earbuds to each other. Place both earbuds back into the charging case, wait for four seconds, then open it and see if they have been repaired with one another.
Repair
The act of repairing something.
I took the car to the workshop for repair.
Repair
The result of repairing something.
If you look closely you can see the repair in the paintwork.
Repair
The condition of something, in respect of need for repair.
The car was overall in poor repair before the accident. But after the workshop had it for three weeks it was returned in excellent repair. But the other vehicle was beyond repair.
Repair
The act of repairing or resorting to a place.
Our annual repair to the mountains
Repair
A place to which one goes frequently or habitually; a haunt.
Repair
To return.
I thought . . . that he repaire should again.
Repair
To go; to betake one's self; to resort; ass, to repair to sanctuary for safety.
Go, mount the winds, and to the shades repair.
Repair
To restore to a sound or good state after decay, injury, dilapidation, or partial destruction; to renew; to restore; to mend; as, to repair a house, a road, a shoe, or a ship; to repair a shattered fortune.
Secret refreshings that repair his strength.
Do thou, as thou art wont, repairMy heart with gladness.
Repair
To make amends for, as for an injury, by an equivalent; to indemnify for; as, to repair a loss or damage.
I 'll repair the misery thou dost bear.
Repair
The act of repairing or resorting to a place.
The king sent a proclamation for their repair to their houses.
Repair
Place to which one repairs; a haunt; a resort.
There the fierce winds his tender force assailAnd beat him downward to his first repair.
Repair
Restoration to a sound or good state after decay, waste, injury, or partial restruction; supply of loss; reparation; as, materials are collected for the repair of a church or of a city.
Sunk down and sought repairOf sleep, which instantly fell on me.
Repair
Condition with respect to soundness, perfectness, etc.; as, a house in good, or bad, repair; the book is out of repair.
Repair
The act of putting something in working order again
Repair
A formal way of referring to the condition of something;
The building was in good repair
Repair
A frequently visited place
Repair
Restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken;
She repaired her TV set
Repair my shoes please
Repair
Make amends for; pay compensation for;
One can never fully repair the suffering and losses of the Jews in the Third Reich
She was compensated for the loss of her arm in the accident
Repair
Move, travel, or proceed toward some place;
He repaired to his cabin in the woods
Repair
Set straight or right;
Remedy these deficiencies
Rectify the inequities in salaries
Repair an oversight
Repair
Give new life or energy to;
A hot soup will revive me
This will renovate my spirits
This treatment repaired my health
Repair
The act of fixing or restoring a broken or malfunctioning object.
He did the car repair himself.
Repair
Correcting defects in structures or systems.
The bridge repair was critical for safety.
Common Curiosities
Can repair be used in social contexts?
While typically used for physical objects, "repair" can metaphorically apply to relationships or social structures needing mending.
What is the difference between repair and replacement?
Repair involves fixing the existing item, whereas replacement involves substituting it with a new or different item.
Why are reparations important?
Reparations are important for addressing past wrongs, promoting justice, and healing divisions within societies.
What are reparations in a historical context?
In a historical context, reparations are compensations provided for injustices or damages done in the past, such as during war or as a result of slavery.
Can a company be obligated to make reparations?
Yes, companies can be obligated to make reparations if they have caused significant harm or engaged in unethical practices.
What does repair mean?
Repair refers to fixing something that is broken or restoring it to a working condition.
What types of repair are there?
Types of repair include mechanical, structural, electrical, and cosmetic, depending on what is being fixed.
What are examples of reparations?
Examples include financial compensation, return of land, public apologies, and other measures to correct historical injustices.
How are reparations determined?
Reparations are determined through legal or governmental processes and are based on the extent of the damage or injustice suffered.
Is DIY repair advisable?
DIY repair is advisable for minor issues but professional help should be sought for more complex problems.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Alpha vs. Alfa
Next Comparison
Wapiti vs. CaribouAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
