“Repast” means a meal or the act of eating, while “repass” is a post-funeral gathering or reception where people eat and share memories. Though they sound alike, repast = any meal, repass = specific event after a funeral. Have you ever read the words “repast” and “repass” and wondered if they meant the same thing? You’re definitely not alone. These two words look confusingly similar, sound nearly identical, and both relate to food—but they do not mean the same thing. Using them interchangeably can completely change the tone of your sentence, especially because one of them has a specific connection to funerals.
In this guide, we’ll break down the meaning, origin, correct usage, and examples of repast vs repass so you never mix them up again. We’ll also include side-by-side comparisons, real-life conversations, a list of related terms, and an FAQ section that answers the internet’s most common questions.
What Does “Repast” Mean?
Repast means a meal or the act of eating food. It’s a formal or literary word used to describe breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any shared meal.
- Word type: noun (occasionally a verb in older texts)
- Used in: writing, literature, formal descriptions of meals
Example:
“After a long journey, they enjoyed a hearty repast.”
What Does “Repass” Mean?
Repass refers to a gathering or meal held after a funeral, where family and friends come together to remember the deceased. It is sometimes spelled repast in certain regions, but repass is more common for this specific funeral context.
- Word type: noun
- Used in: funeral services, mourning traditions, obituary announcements
Example:
“The family invited everyone to the repass following the funeral.”
Origin and Popularity of “Repast” and “Repass”
Repast (Origin)
- Comes from Old French repast meaning “meal” or “food”
- First appeared in English around the 14th century
- Still used today in literary writing, event menus, and religious texts
Repass (Origin)
- Evolved in American English, especially in the Southern U.S. and Black communities
- Derived from the idea of “passing back” to gather after burial ceremonies
- Became widely used in funeral programs, church announcements, and community gatherings in the 20th century
Popularity Timeline
- 1300s: “Repast” used in literature
- 1900s: “Repass” becomes common in funeral services
- 2000s–Present: Both terms appear regularly but in different contexts
No viral trend is linked to them, but “repass” frequently shows up in obituary announcements and church programs.
Repast vs Repass Meaning in Different Contexts
1. In Texting or Casual Chat
- Repast: Rare; sounds too formal
- Repass: Only used when references to funerals come up
2. On Social Media
- Repast: May appear in food photography captions or poetic descriptions
- “A lovely repast with friends tonight 🌙🍽️”
- Repass: Used in memorial posts
- “Thank you to everyone who came to Mom’s repass.”
3. In Formal Writing
- Repast: Acceptable
- Repass: Only used for funerals, should be used with sensitivity
4. At Events
- Repast: Can describe sit-down dinners, banquets, luncheons
- Repass: Always tied to funeral traditions
📊 Comparison Table: Repast vs Repass
| Word | Meaning | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repast | Any meal or the act of eating | Neutral, general | “We enjoyed a lovely repast.” |
| Repass | Meal/gathering after a funeral | Bereavement, cultural tradition | “Please join us for the repass.” |
Examples of Repast and Repass in Conversations
Casual Usage
A: Are you cooking anything special tonight?
B: Just preparing a small repast for the family.
Funeral Context
Family Member: The funeral ends at 2 p.m.
Director: The repass will follow immediately after in the church hall.
Social Media Example
“We’re grateful for everyone who showed up to support us at the repass today.”
Literary Example
“The travelers rested and enjoyed a warm repast before continuing their journey.”
Similar and Related Terms
For “Repast”
- Meal
- Feast
- Banquet
- Supper
- Luncheon
For “Repass”
- Wake
- Memorial gathering
- Funeral reception
- Bereavement meal
- After-service fellowship
Quick Comparison Table
| Term | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Repast | Formal word | Meal |
| Repass | Funeral term | Post-funeral gathering |
| Feast | Noun | Large celebratory meal |
| Wake | Noun | Gathering before/after a funeral |
Crier / Cryer: The Tiny Spelling Detail Everyone Gets Wrong 😮
How to Use Each Word Correctly
✅ Repast – Do’s
- Use in writing or polite conversation
- Describe any meal
- Use when discussing dining, food, or hospitality
❌ Repast – Don’ts
- Don’t use for funerals
- Don’t overuse in casual texting—it may sound too formal
✅ Repass – Do’s
- Use ONLY for post-funeral gatherings
- Use respectfully and sensitively
- Appropriate in church programs, obituaries, and memorial posts
❌ Repass – Don’ts
- Don’t use to describe regular meals
- Don’t use in jokes, memes, or unrelated conversations
- Don’t use interchangeably with “repast”
Common Mistakes or Misinterpretations
❌ Mistake 1: Using “repast” to mean a funeral reception
- This can unintentionally offend people
- Correct word is repass
❌ Mistake 2: Thinking “repass” means to ‘pass again’
- While that’s a dictionary meaning, it has nothing to do with how it’s used in funerals
❌ Mistake 3: Believing both words are synonyms
- They are not
- One is general, the other is highly specific
FAQ Section
1. What does “repast” mean in simple words?
Repast means a meal—any meal. It’s a formal or literary way of talking about eating food, whether it’s breakfast, dinner, or a festive gathering.
2. Is “repass” the same as “repast”?
No. Repast is any meal. Repass is specifically a post-funeral meal or gathering. They should never be swapped.
3. How do you use “repass” in a sentence?
You can say: “The family invited everyone to the repass after the service.” It should only be used in funeral contexts.
4. Where is the word “repass” most commonly used?
It is commonly used in the United States, especially in Southern and Black funeral traditions, church communities, and obituary announcements.
5. Is “repast” outdated?
Not at all. While it’s formal, it’s still used in menus, literature, and polite descriptions of meals.
6. Can “repass” mean anything other than a funeral meal?
In modern use, no. Although it has other dictionary meanings, its primary contemporary usage is tied to funerals.
Conclusion
“Repast” and “repass” may look similar, but their meanings couldn’t be more different. Repast is a general term for any meal, used in writing, dining, and everyday conversation. Repass, on the other hand, is a deeply cultural and emotional term referring to a gathering held after a funeral. Understanding the difference helps you communicate clearly and respectfully, especially in sensitive moments.
Now that you know the exact meaning, origin, and usage of repast vs repass, you’ll never mix them up again. Keep exploring our site for more everyday terms, confusing phrases, and trending expressions—explained simply and clearly.
Kael Donovan is a language enthusiast and writer at Definevs.com, simplifying complex words and grammar rules into fun, easy-to-understand guides for readers.
