Repast vs. Repass — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 29, 2023
"Repast" refers to a meal or the act of eating, while "repass" means to go or move back, though it's less commonly used.
Difference Between Repast and Repass
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Repast" and "repass" may seem similar due to their phonetic resemblance, but they convey distinct concepts. "Repast" pertains to the culinary domain, denoting a meal or the event of eating. In contrast, "repass," while not a word used frequently in modern English, typically suggests a return or backward movement.
One might hear of "repast" in literature, older texts, or formal speech. This term brings to mind the act of feasting or partaking in a meal. "Repass," however, can invoke the image of retracing one's steps or revisiting a previous location.
In most contemporary conversations, "repast" could be used interchangeably with 'meal,' especially in poetic or elevated contexts. If someone were to say, "We enjoyed a lavish repast," they're speaking of a delightful meal. "Repass," on the other hand, doesn't often find itself in everyday talk, but if it did, it might be used in the sense of passing by something again.
It's important to note the divergence in their realms of application. While "repast" relates directly to food and dining, "repass" deals with movement or direction. The only commonality they share is that they're both verbs.
Remembering the distinction is crucial to ensure clarity in communication. Using "repast" when discussing meals and "repass" in the rare instances you might need to indicate moving back can save misunderstandings.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Verb
Definition
A meal or the act of eating.
To go or move back.
Usage
Pertains to food and dining.
Concerns movement or direction.
Frequency
More commonly used, especially in literature.
Rarely used in modern English.
Example
"They had a hearty repast."
"He decided to repass the same street."
Compare with Definitions
Repast
The food served and eaten at one time
Repass
To move back or return.
The birds repass their route every winter.
Repast
The food served and eaten in one sitting.
The repast consisted of various gourmet dishes.
Repass
To pass (something) again.
Repast
A banquet or feast.
The king's repast was an event of extravagance.
Repass
To cause to pass again in the opposite direction.
Repast
A period of eating and drinking.
They engaged in a merry repast till midnight.
Repass
To pass or go back; to move back; as, troops passing and repassing before our eyes.
Repast
Refreshment out of meals.
He took a quick repast and continued his work.
Repass
To pass or go by again.
He decided to repass the bridge to enjoy the view.
Repast
A meal.
Repass
To pass again; go by again.
Repast
Something that is intellectually or spiritually nourishing.
Repass
To pass (back) again, especially in the opposite direction; to return.
Repast
(obsolete) The consumption of food; also, refreshment obtained from eating; (generally) refreshment; rest.
Repass
To pass again; to pass or travel over in the opposite direction; to pass a second time; as, to repass a bridge or a river; to repass the sea.
Repast
(archaic) To supply (an animal or person) with food; to feed.
Repast
To provide (a person) with intellectual or spiritual nourishment; to enlighten, to feed.
Repast
To refresh (oneself or someone) through eating and drinking.
Repast
A meal or the food eaten or provided at a meal.
Repast
To eat or feast.
Repast
To give food to.
Repast
(obsolete) A period of refreshment or rest.
Repast
(archaic) Food or drink that may be consumed as a meal.
Repast
(transitive)
Repast
The act of taking food.
From dance to sweet repast they turn.
Repast
That which is taken as food; a meal; figuratively, any refreshment.
Go and get me some repast.
Repast
(uncountable)
Repast
Usually followed by on or upon: to take food and drink; to feast, to feed.
Repast
To supply food to; to feast; to take food.
He then, also, as before, left arbitrary the dieting and repasting of our minds.
Common Curiosities
Can "repass" be used to indicate eating again?
No, "repass" relates to movement or direction, not eating.
What's a synonym for "repast"?
A synonym for "repast" is "meal."
How can I remember the difference between "repast" and "repass"?
Think of "repast" as related to "feast" (both about meals) and "repass" as passing again.
Is "repass" frequently used in daily English conversations?
No, "repass" is not commonly used in modern English.
Would I encounter "repass" in legal or formal documents?
It's unlikely, but always rely on context to discern meaning.
Is "repast" a commonly used word?
While "repast" is recognized, it's more often found in literature or formal contexts than in casual speech.
Can "repast" be used to indicate a light snack?
Yes, "repast" can refer to any meal, whether large or small.
Is there any relation between "repast" and "pass"?
No, "repast" pertains to meals, while "pass" concerns movement or approval.
Can "repass" be used in the context of reviewing or revisiting an idea?
While not common, it might be understood as revisiting, but clearer alternatives exist.
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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.
