A repast is a meal. It is a formal or somewhat old-fashioned term and brings to mind a delightful or comforting array offood as opposed to a peanut type of situation .
It is probably most often found in literature, journalism and formal or oratory speech. Here’s the definition of repast, how to pronounce it, and how to use it so you don’t sound stuffy.
Key Takeaways
- Repast is a noun meaning a meal or the food eaten at one sitting.
- It is pronounced rih-PAST, with the stress on the second syllable.
- It sounds formal, literary, or a bit old-fashioned in everyday US English.
- A repast can be big or small. “Light repast” and “hearty repast” are both common.
- Repast does not mean “a past meal.” The “past” part is a trap.
- Good synonyms include meal, feast, spread, banquet, and dinner.
What Does Repast Mean?
repast: a meal; the food served and eaten at a meal As a noun “repast” is the formal term for a meal. It can be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner or any other sitting down occasion.
The term has a tendency to be on the slightly classier or more pleasant end of the spectrum. Hardly anyone ever refers to a drive-thru burger as a repast, unless of course they’re kidding.
Example sentences:
- “After the long hike, we sat down to a simple repast of soup and bread.”
- “The hotel served a generous repast at noon.”
- “She prepared a light repast for her guests.”
Repast as a Verb
Repast can be used as a verb but this form is rare and very old-fashioned. To repast: to feed or to eat a meal.
That’s not how most modern writers use it. If you spot it as a verb, it will be in older literature, or in very deliberately poetic writing. For writing in general, use the noun.
How to Pronounce Repast
Repast is rih-PAST in U.S. English. The stress is on the second syllable and the word rhymes in the latter part with “contrast”.
One common mispronunciation is REE-past. That is the non-standard pronunciation.
Repast Synonyms
Synonyms are not perfect replacements. They each have their own scale and style.
| Word | Feel | Example |
| Meal | Neutral and everyday | “We shared a meal.” |
| Dinner | Evening meal, common | “Dinner is at seven.” |
| Feast | Large and festive | “They held a feast.” |
| Banquet | Formal and organized | “The banquet had 200 guests.” |
| Spread | Casual, a table full of food | “She put out quite a spread.” |
| Collation | Light meal, rare and formal | “A cold collation was served.” |
If you want to be sure to be natural sounding, ”meal” will be safe nearly all of the time. Repast(s) is (are) used for if you want an elegant yet old-fashioned touch to your text.
Common Mistakes With the Word Repast
Many websites simplify this term too much or describe it inaccurately. Here are a few details to clarify.
It does not mean “past meal.” The word looks like it contains “past,” but that is only a coincidence in spelling. It is not about time.
It is not always a big meal. Many writers pair it with “light” or “simple.” A repast can be modest.
It is not slang or casual. Using it in a text to a friend may sound like a joke. That can be fun, but it will not read as normal speech.
It is not the same as “repass.” Repass means to pass again. It is a different word.
Do not overuse it. One repast in a piece of writing can add flavor. Several in a row start to feel forced.
Common Phrases With Repast
These combinations appear frequently in writing:
- Light repast: a small meal
- Simple repast: a plain, modest meal
- Hearty repast: a large, filling meal
- Evening repast: a meal eaten at night
- Humble repast: a basic or low cost meal
Using one of these makes the word flow rather than feel tacked on.
Where Does the Word Repast Come From?
The word “repast” entered English from French and is often linked to Latin words associated with feeding. Its prefix, “re-,” is commonly said to add emphasis. I couldn’t verify when it first appeared in English, so consult a reliable dictionary, such as the Oxford English Dictionary or Merriam-Webster, if you need a firm date or citation.
Is Repast Used in Modern English?
Yes, but sparingly. You will find it in:
- Fiction and historical writing
- Food writing that wants an elegant tone
- Formal event descriptions
- Humorous or playful sentences
In everyday speech, most Americans use the word “meal” or say ”lunch” or “dinner.” They also have a software toolkit for agent-based modeling named Repast, which has nothing to do with food. If you googled the word and found yourself on technical pages, that’s probably the reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does repast mean in simple terms?
It means a meal.
Is repast a formal word?
Yes. It is formal or literary and not common in casual speech.
How do you pronounce repast?
Say rih-PAST, with the stress on the second part.
Can a snack be called a repast?
You could, especially in a playful or poetic way, but a repast usually suggests an actual meal.
What is a light repast?
A small, simple meal, such as soup and bread.
Is repast a verb?
It can be, but the verb use is rare and old fashioned. Nearly all modern use is as a noun.
What is a good synonym for repast?
“Meal” is the safest. “Feast,” “spread,” and “banquet” work when you want a particular size or tone.
The Bottom Line
Repast is a refined word for a meal. Use it when you want a little sophistication, and let plain words like “meal” or “dinner” suffice when speaking casually.
