Repel vs Repeal: When To Use Each One In Writing

Are you confused about the difference between “repel” and “repeal”? These two words may sound similar, but they have vastly different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the definitions of both words and when to use each one correctly.

It’s important to note that “repel” and “repeal” are not interchangeable. They have distinct definitions and should be used in the appropriate context.

So, what does “repel” mean? To repel is to drive away or reject. It can refer to physical objects, such as repelling water or repelling insects, or it can refer to social situations, such as repelling unwanted attention or repelling negative energy. Essentially, when you repel something, you are actively pushing it away.

On the other hand, “repeal” means to revoke or annul a law, regulation, or agreement. It is often used in a legal or political context, such as repealing a tax or repealing a controversial policy. When something is repealed, it is essentially cancelled or abolished.

Now that we’ve established the definitions of both words, let’s dive deeper into when to use each one correctly.

Define Repel

Repel is a verb that means to drive away or reject forcefully. It is often used to describe the act of resisting or repulsing an attack or invasion. In the context of physics, repel refers to the force that causes two objects with the same charge to push away from each other. This force is known as the repulsive force.

For example, a person may use insect repellent to repel mosquitoes or other insects. Similarly, a country may repel an invasion by deploying its military forces.

Define Repeal

Repeal is a verb that means to revoke or cancel a law, regulation, or policy. It is often used in the context of government or legal proceedings. Repeal can also refer to the act of withdrawing or rescinding a decision or action.

For example, a government may repeal a law that is no longer relevant or has become obsolete. Similarly, a company may repeal a policy that is causing more harm than good.

Repeal is often used in contrast to amend, which means to make changes or modifications to a law or policy without fully revoking it.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

In order to effectively use the words “repel” and “repeal” in a sentence, it is important to understand their definitions and proper usage. While these two words may sound similar, they have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

How To Use “Repel” In A Sentence

The word “repel” is a verb that means to push away or keep something at a distance. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as:

• “The strong smell of garlic repels mosquitoes.”
• “The company’s new marketing campaign failed to repel potential customers.”
• “The force of the magnet repelled the metal object.”

It is important to note that “repel” is often used in the context of physical objects or forces, but can also be used in a metaphorical sense, such as in the marketing example above.

How To Use “Repeal” In A Sentence

The word “repeal” is a verb that means to revoke or cancel a law, rule, or policy. It is often used in a legal or political context, such as:

• “The government repealed the controversial tax law.”
• “The company’s board of directors voted to repeal the dress code policy.”
• “The state legislature is considering a bill to repeal the ban on marijuana.”

It is important to note that “repeal” is used specifically in the context of laws, rules, and policies, and should not be used to refer to physical objects or forces.

More Examples Of Repel & Repeal Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words “repel” and “repeal” in sentences. These examples will help you better understand the context in which these words are used and how to use them in your everyday writing.

Examples Of Using Repel In A Sentence

• The smell of garlic can repel mosquitos.
• The company’s new marketing campaign failed to repel customers.
• The strong winds were enough to repel the birds from their nests.
• The repellent spray was effective in keeping the bugs away.
• The idea of public speaking repels me.
• The new fabric is designed to repel water and stains.
• The smell of the trash can repels me.
• The bright colors of the flowers are meant to repel predators.
• The company installed security cameras to repel potential burglars.
• The sound of the alarm is meant to repel intruders.

Examples Of Using Repeal In A Sentence

• The government decided to repeal the law that had been in effect for over a decade.
• The company is trying to repeal the decision made by the board of directors.
• The senator proposed a bill to repeal the tax increase.
• The law was repealed due to its unpopularity among the citizens.
• The company’s decision to repeal the dress code was met with mixed reactions.
• The city council voted to repeal the ordinance banning street performers.
• The law was finally repealed after years of protests and demonstrations.
• The senator’s efforts to repeal the healthcare law were unsuccessful.
• The company’s attempt to repeal the union contract was met with resistance from the workers.
• The government’s decision to repeal the environmental regulations was criticized by environmental groups.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s easy to get confused between words that sound similar or have similar meanings. One common mistake that people make is using the words “repel” and “repeal” interchangeably, when in fact they have very different meanings.

Using “Repel” Instead Of “Repeal”

One common mistake is using “repel” instead of “repeal” when talking about laws or regulations. For example, saying “The government is trying to repel the tax laws” is incorrect. The correct word to use in this context is “repeal”.

The word “repeal” means to revoke or cancel a law or regulation. On the other hand, “repel” means to push away or reject something. So, using “repel” instead of “repeal” can completely change the meaning of a sentence.

Using “Repeal” Instead Of “Repel”

Another common mistake is using “repeal” instead of “repel” when talking about physical objects or substances. For example, saying “The bug spray will repeal mosquitoes” is incorrect. The correct word to use in this context is “repel”.

The word “repel” means to keep something away or prevent it from coming close. In the case of bug spray, it doesn’t actually “repeal” or cancel mosquitoes, but rather “repels” them by making them stay away. Using “repeal” instead of “repel” in this context would be incorrect and confusing.

Tips To Avoid Confusion

To avoid making these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the meanings of both words and when to use them. Here are some tips to help you avoid confusion:

• Remember that “repeal” is used when talking about laws or regulations being cancelled or revoked.
• Remember that “repel” is used when talking about physical objects or substances being kept away or prevented from coming close.
• If you’re unsure which word to use, look up the definition or ask someone who knows.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “repel” and “repeal” can be a tricky task as their usage depends on the context in which they are used. The two words have different meanings and understanding their differences is crucial in determining their appropriate usage.

Repel

The word “repel” is commonly used to mean to push away or reject something or someone. It can also be used to describe the act of resisting or warding off something.

For instance, when talking about a repellent, one would be referring to a substance that keeps insects or animals away. Similarly, when discussing the properties of a material, one can say that it repels water, meaning it does not allow water to penetrate it.

In military terms, the word “repel” is used to describe the act of driving back an enemy attack. For example, soldiers can repel an enemy invasion by putting up a strong defense.

Repeal

The word “repeal” is used to describe the act of revoking or abolishing a law, rule, or regulation. It implies the removal of something that was previously established or in place.

For instance, a government can repeal a law that is no longer relevant or effective. Similarly, a company can repeal a policy that is causing more harm than good.

It is important to note that the word “repeal” can only be used in the context of laws, regulations, or policies. It cannot be used to describe the act of pushing something away or resisting it.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “repel” and “repeal” might change:

Context	Appropriate Word
Protective Clothing	Repel
Legal System	Repeal
Marketing	Repel
Environmental Science	Repel
Government Policy	Repeal

In the context of protective clothing, the appropriate word would be “repel” as the clothing is designed to keep harmful substances away from the wearer. In the legal system, the word “repeal” would be used to describe the act of abolishing a law or regulation. In marketing, the word “repel” could be used to describe a campaign that aims to push away a certain demographic. In environmental science, the word “repel” could be used to describe a substance that keeps pests away from crops. Finally, in the context of government policy, the word “repeal” would be used to describe the act of abolishing a policy that is no longer effective.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using repel and repeal are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. In certain cases, the usual guidelines for these words may not apply.

Exceptions For Repel

One exception to the rule of using repel is when it is used in a figurative sense. In this case, repel can mean to resist or reject something or someone. For example, “She repelled his advances” means that she rejected his advances. Another exception is when repel is used to describe a physical force. For instance, “The magnets repelled each other” means that the magnets pushed away from each other due to their magnetic force.

Exceptions For Repeal

Similarly, there are exceptions to the rule of using repeal. One such exception is when repeal is used in a legal context. In this case, it means to revoke or cancel a law or regulation. For example, “The government repealed the tax law” means that the government cancelled the tax law. Another exception is when repeal is used to describe the removal of a privilege or right. For instance, “The company repealed his access to the database” means that the company removed his access to the database.

It is important to keep in mind these exceptions to the rules for using repel and repeal to ensure that they are used correctly in context.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between repel and repeal, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (repel or repeal) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. The new law will ___________ the old one.
2. She used bug spray to ___________ the mosquitoes.
3. The company is trying to ___________ negative reviews.
4. The magnets ___________ each other.
5. The government is considering a proposal to ___________ the tax on cigarettes.

Answer Key:

1. repeal
2. repel
3. repel
4. repel
5. repeal

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using the correct word (repel or repeal) in each of the following scenarios:

1. A city council is trying to get rid of an unpopular law.
2. You are camping and want to keep bugs away from your tent.
3. A new product claims to keep sharks away from swimmers.
4. A politician wants to get rid of a controversial policy.
5. You want to keep your ex-partner away from you.

Answer Key:

1. The city council is trying to repeal the unpopular law.
2. I sprayed bug repellent around my tent to repel insects.
3. The new product claims to repel sharks from swimmers.
4. The politician wants to repeal the controversial policy.
5. I want to repel my ex-partner from contacting me.

By completing these practice exercises, you should now have a better understanding of when to use repel and when to use repeal in your writing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “repel” and “repeal” is significant and should not be overlooked. While they may sound similar, their meanings are vastly different and can lead to confusion if used incorrectly.

Remember, “repel” means to push away or resist, while “repeal” means to revoke or annul a law or rule. It is important to use these words correctly in both written and spoken language to avoid any misinterpretation.

Furthermore, this article highlights the importance of understanding grammar and language use. Proper grammar and language use not only ensures effective communication but also enhances the credibility of the writer or speaker.

Key Takeaways:

• “Repel” means to push away or resist, while “repeal” means to revoke or annul a law or rule.
• Using these words incorrectly can lead to confusion.
• Proper grammar and language use enhances credibility and effective communication.

It is recommended that readers continue to learn about grammar and language use to improve their writing and communication skills. By doing so, they can convey their message more effectively and avoid any misunderstandings.