English has many words that look or sound similar but mean very different things. Repast and repass are two such confusing words. Many learners mix them up because they start with the same letters and look almost alike. But their meanings, uses, and grammar roles are not the same at all.
In this easy guide, you will learn the meaning of repast and repass, the difference between repast and repass, and how to use each word correctly in daily English. We will use short sentences, simple words, and real-life examples so even a 4th-grade student can understand. By the end, you will clearly know which word is correct, when to use it, and how to avoid common mistakes. Let’s make this confusing pair simple and clear.
What Does Each Word Mean?
Meaning of Repast
Repast means a meal or food eaten at one time.
It is usually used as a noun.
Think of repast as another word for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—especially in formal or old-style English.
Simple meaning: A meal.
Easy examples:
- We shared a warm repast with our family.
- Breakfast is my favorite repast of the day.
- The travelers stopped for a quick repast.
Mini story:
After school, Ali was hungry. His mother made a simple repast of rice and chicken. He felt happy and full.
Meaning of Repass
Repass means to pass again, to go back, or to return something.
It is usually used as a verb.
This word is less common in daily English but is still correct in formal or specific situations.
Simple meaning: To pass again or go back.
Easy examples:
- Please repass the salt to me.
- He had to repass the same road to find his bag.
- The teacher asked her to repass the paper.
Mini story:
Sara forgot her notebook at home. She had to repass the street and go back to get it.
The Key Difference Between Repast and Repass
The main difference is very simple:
- Repast = food or meal
- Repass = pass again or return
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Repast | Repass |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A meal or food | To pass again or return |
| Part of Speech | Noun | Verb |
| Used for | Eating, meals | Movement or action |
| Example | We enjoyed our repast. | Please repass the book. |
Quick Tip to Remember
- If it is about eating, choose repast.
- If it is about moving back or passing again, choose repass.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many learners confuse these words because they look similar. Let’s fix the most common mistakes.
Mistake 1
❌ We sat down to repass together.
✅ We sat down to repast together.
Why wrong?
Sitting together is about eating a meal, not passing something again.
Mistake 2
❌ Please repast the salt.
✅ Please repass the salt.
Why wrong?
Salt is being passed again, not eaten as a meal.
Mistake 3
❌ He enjoyed a delicious repass.
✅ He enjoyed a delicious repast.
How to avoid mistakes:
Always ask yourself one question:
👉 Is this about food or movement?
When to Use Repast
Use repast when you are talking about meals, food, or eating together. It often appears in stories, books, or formal writing.
Situations to use repast:
- Family meals
- Formal writing
- Stories or novels
- Describing food politely
Simple examples:
- The guests enjoyed a tasty repast.
- Dinner was a peaceful repast.
- They prepared a small repast for travelers.
- Lunch is an important repast for students.
- After prayers, they shared a humble repast.
When to Use Repass
Use repass when something is passed again, returned, or when someone goes back the same way.
Situations to use repass:
- Passing objects
- Going back
- Formal instructions
- Written English
Simple examples:
- Can you repass the pen?
- The bus had to repass the bridge.
- She asked him to repass the note.
- He decided to repass the street.
- Please repass the form to the teacher.
Memory Hack
- RePASS has the word pass inside it → pass again.
Quick Recap: Repast vs Repass
- Repast
- Means a meal
- A noun
- Used for food and eating
- Repass
- Means to pass again or return
- A verb
- Used for movement or action
👉 Food = Repast
👉 Pass again = Repass
Advanced Tips (Optional)
Word Origins
- Repast comes from old French and Latin words related to food and refreshment.
- Repass comes from words meaning “to go through again.”
Formal Writing Use
- Repast is common in novels, essays, and historical writing.
- Repass is used in instructions or formal speech.
Online and Texting
In casual texting, people usually say meal instead of repast and pass again instead of repass. But knowing these words improves your vocabulary and exam writing.
Mini Quiz: Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks:
- We shared a light ______ after sunset.
- Please ______ the book to me.
- Breakfast is the first ______ of the day.
- He had to ______ the road to find his keys.
- The family enjoyed a quiet ______ together.
Answers:
- repast
- repass
- repast
- repass
- repast
FAQs
1. What is the difference between repast and repass?
Repast means a meal, while repass means to pass again or return.
2. Is repast a verb?
No, repast is mainly a noun used for meals.
3. Is repass commonly used in English?
It is correct but less common in daily conversation.
4. Can I use repast instead of meal?
Yes, but it sounds more formal or old-fashioned.
5. How can I remember repass easily?
Think of “pass” inside “repass” — pass again.
Conclusion
Now you clearly know the meaning and correct usage of repast and repass. Repast is about food and meals, while repass is about passing again or going back. These words may look similar, but their meanings are very different. With simple thinking and practice, you can avoid common mistakes and use both words confidently. Keep reading, keep practicing, and your English will improve a little every day. Learning small differences like this makes a big change over time.
Caribbean-born novelist Jean Rhys (1890–1979) explored alienation, identity, and female psychology with lyrical, haunting, and emotionally rich prose.
