repose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, formal
Quick answer
What does “repose” mean?
A state of rest, tranquility, or composure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of rest, tranquility, or composure.
The act of resting or the state of being at rest. Can also mean to be situated or supported by something (e.g., 'the statue reposes on a marble base') or the peaceful rest that follows death.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. The verb form is slightly more common in American legal and administrative language.
Connotations
Both share connotations of peace, dignity, and stillness. In UK English, it may have slightly stronger historical/literary associations.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in written, formal British English (e.g., in literature).
Grammar
How to Use “repose” in a Sentence
N in reposeV to repose (confidence/trust) in sb/sthV repose on/upon sthVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “repose” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Trust should not repose solely in institutions.
- The foundation's authority reposes in its charter.
American English
- The power to tax reposes in the Congress.
- He reposed his head on the pillow.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverb form.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. 'Reposeful' is archaic.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. 'Reposeful' is archaic.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly 'The data reposes in a secure server.'
Academic
Used in philosophy ('Hegelian repose'), art history ('the repose of the sculpture'), and literature.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used humorously or poetically ('I need some serious repose').
Technical
Used in legal contexts ('Power reposes with the board'), anatomy ('muscles in repose'), and engineering ('a beam reposing on supports').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “repose”
- Using it as a common synonym for 'rest' in casual speech.
- Confusing 'repose' (n.) with 'repose' (v.) meaning 'to place'.
- Misspelling as 'reposé' (accent is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a literary and formal word. In everyday speech, 'rest', 'peace', or 'calm' are more common.
Yes, but it is formal and often used in specific contexts like law ('authority reposes in...') or placing something/someone at rest ('repose a body').
'Repose' implies a deeper, more tranquil, and often more dignified or prolonged state of rest. 'Rest' is the general, neutral term.
Yes, it is a common euphemism for death, similar to 'eternal rest'.
A state of rest, tranquility, or composure.
Repose is usually literary, formal in register.
Repose: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈpəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈpoʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “repose in peace (RIP)”
- “in a state of repose”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a POSEd model, perfectly still and at REst. RE-POSE = to pose again, but calmly and peacefully.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEACE/STILLNESS IS A PHYSICAL STATE OF REST; DEATH IS ETERNAL REST.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'repose' most appropriately used?