The word "repast" is commonly spelled r-eh-p-ae-s-t. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription for this word is /rɪˈpæst/. The first syllable, "re", is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by the "p" sound and a short "a" sound. The final syllable, "st", is pronounced with a short "a" sound and a "st" consonant cluster. "Repast" refers to a meal or a feast, and its spelling can be easily remembered by breaking it down into its syllables and sounding them out phonetically.
Repast (noun) refers to a meal or a large feast, particularly one that is enjoyed with others. It encompasses the act of eating together and the food consumed during that specific instance. A repast not only satisfies the basic human need for sustenance but also serves social and cultural purposes, as it fosters togetherness, bonding, and the sharing of experiences.
Typically, a repast involves various types of food and beverages, making it a multi-course affair. The term may be used to indicate any type of meal, from casual everyday dining to formal occasions like banquets or celebrations. The significance of a repast transcends its physical elements, as it holds the potential to create lasting memories and strengthen relationships.
Culturally, repasts can vary widely across regions, reflecting unique culinary traditions, local customs, and personal preferences. While a repast often refers to a communal gathering, it can also be an individual or solitary meal. In a broader context, repast can be used metaphorically to represent sources of nourishment, not limited to food alone, such as intellectual, spiritual, or emotional nourishment.
The term "repast" derives from the French word "repaître," meaning "to feed" or "to nourish." It entered the English language during the early 15th century and has since maintained its primary meaning of a shared meal or feast. Its usage not only describes the act of eating but also emphasizes the social and emotional significance of dining together, embodying the notion that a meal has the power to go beyond simple sustenance.
A meal; food taken; victuals.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "repast" comes from the Old French word "repaistre", which means "to feed, restore" or "to have a meal". This Old French term is derived from the Latin word "repascere", which means "to feed again" or "to supply with food". Ultimately, the Latin word is composed of the prefix "re-" (meaning "again") and "pascere" (meaning "to feed"). Over time, the word "repast" evolved in Middle English to refer specifically to a meal or a feast.