repast
C2 (Very low frequency)Formal, literary, sometimes archaic or humorous in modern usage.
Definition
Meaning
A meal or the food eaten or provided at a meal.
Figuratively, anything that provides sustenance or enjoyment, often of an intellectual or spiritual nature. Can also refer to the act of taking a meal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Its primary modern use is in elevated, descriptive, or historical contexts. It often carries connotations of a substantial, leisurely, or ceremonial meal, not a quick snack.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. The word is equally rare and formal in both variants.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary contexts, but this is a minor tendency.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, with near-identical usage patterns.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
They [verb] a [adjective] repast.The [noun] provided a welcome repast.We [past tense verb] after the repast.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “angel's repast (poetic/archaic for a very light or spiritual meal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. 'Luncheon' or 'dinner' are preferred for formal business meals.
Academic
Occasionally found in historical, literary, or anthropological texts describing meals in past societies or in literature.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Used for deliberate humorous or pretentious effect.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- "They repasted on venison and ale," the historian wrote.
- The travellers repasted heartily at the inn.
American English
- The pioneers repasted on simple fare by the campfire.
- After the hunt, they repasted together in the lodge.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The hotel offered a generous repast every evening.
- After the long walk, we enjoyed a simple repast of bread and cheese.
- The documentary described the sumptuous repasts of the Roman elite.
- Following the ceremony, guests were invited to a repast in the great hall.
- The memoir contrasted the Spartan repasts of his youth with the lavish banquets of his later career.
- More than mere nourishment, the shared repast served as a crucial ritual for community bonding.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-PAST. You REfuel your body with food from the PAST hour's cooking.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS A GIFT / SUSTENANCE (a repast is often something provided or shared).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "репаст" – this is a false friend. The closest direct translation is "трапеза" or "еда" (formal), not "обед" which is more neutral/common.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to a snack or light bite. / Mispronouncing as /'riːpɑːst/. / Using it in casual conversation where 'meal' is expected.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'repast' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word primarily found in literary, historical, or very formal descriptive writing.
Yes, but the verb form ('to repast') is even rarer and considered archaic. It means 'to feast or take a meal'.
'Meal' is the neutral, everyday word. 'Repast' is formal/literary and often implies a more complete, leisurely, or ceremonious occasion.
It is grammatically possible but highly redundant and stylistically poor. 'Repast' already means 'meal', so 'breakfast meal' or 'morning repast' would be better choices depending on the desired register.