Definition

To heal or recover, especially after an injury or illness; to improve in health or condition.

Example

After a few weeks of rest, she is finally mending from her surgery.

Tense Forms

Conversation

How are you feeling after your surgery?

I'm doing better, thanks! I think I'm starting to mend well.

That's great to hear! It must feel good to be on the road to recovery.

Absolutely! I'm just taking it one day at a time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

The action of repairing something that is broken or damaged.

Example

After the tear in my shirt, I made a quick mend to fix it.

Conversation

I found this old sweater, but it has a tear in it.

You could try to do a quick mend on it.

That's a good idea! I haven't sewn anything in ages, though.

Definition

To fix something that is broken or damaged, making it work again.

Example

She decided to mend her torn dress instead of buying a new one.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I need to mend my favorite sweater; it has a hole in it.

Oh no! How did that happen?

I think I snagged it on a door handle last week.

Root Explanation

Mend → The word 'mend' originates from Old French 'mendre' (meaning to make less or to diminish) and is related to the Latin 'mendicare' (meaning to beg). The word 'mend' means to repair or fix something, often implying making it less damaged or more whole.

Memory Tip

Think of 'making less' of a problem or damage — that's why 'mend' means to repair or fix something.

Visually Confused Words