What is repeal? Pronunciation and usage in English

repeal means . Learn how to pronounce and use repeal through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of repeal

repealnoun

/rɪˈpiːl//rɪˈpiːl/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "repeal" in English. It can be tricky for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • rip-ÉE-ul

Let's break that down further:

  • rip: Like the word "rip" (as in ripping paper). Short and sharp.
  • ÉE: This is the key! It's a stressed, long “e” sound, similar to the “e” in “see” or “meet.” It's not like the "e" in "pet." It's a longer, more drawn-out vowel.
  • ul: Like the sound in "blue" or "rule." A short, unstressed "uh" sound.

Here's a helpful way to hear it:

Common Mispronunciations & Why They’re Wrong:

  • Ree-peal: This is a very common mistake. “Ree” is the short “e” sound as in “see”. It’s not the correct length or sound for this word.
  • Rep-eel: Adding an extra "p" or an "l" sound is incorrect.

To recap: rip-ÉE-ul is the way to go!

Do you want me to:

  • Say it slowly?
  • Give you a similar word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word repeal in English

Let's break down how to use the word "repeal" in English. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Repeal means to officially cancel or revoke a law, rule, or agreement. Think of it as taking something back. It's the opposite of enacting (passing) a law.

2. How to Use It – Examples:

  • Formal & Official Contexts:

    • "Congress voted to repeal the controversial tax law." (Here, it's a law being cancelled.)
    • "The company decided to repeal its outdated environmental regulations." (Rules being removed.)
    • “The treaty was officially repealed after years of negotiations.” (An agreement being withdrawn.)

  • More Casual Usage (but still formal):

    • "The government is considering repealing the ban on same-sex marriage." (A policy being reviewed for cancellation.)

3. Key Phrases & Related Words:

  • Repeal a law: This is the most common usage.
  • Repeal legislation: Using "legislation" is slightly more formal than just "a law."
  • Repeal an order: (Referring to an official directive)
  • Retroactive repeal: This means the repeal applies to actions that were previously legal but are now illegal due to the repeal. Example: “The repeal was retroactive, meaning previous violations were forgiven.”
  • Repeal and replace: This phrase is frequently used when referring to a law that is repealed and a new law is introduced in its place. (Think of the Affordable Care Act repeal and the American Healthcare Act).

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Annul
  • Revoke
  • Withdraw
  • Abrogate (more formal, often used for laws)
  • Repeal and amend (repealing and then creating a new version)

5. Important Nuances:

  • Political Significance: The word "repeal" often carries political weight. It often represents a reversal of a policy or action that was widely supported or opposed.
  • Process: Repealing something is generally a multi-step process involving legislative action, signatures, and official announcements.

6. Example Sentences Combining All the Elements:

  • "After a lengthy debate, the Senate voted to repeal the proposed highway expansion project, citing concerns about environmental impact."
  • "The president signed the repeal into law, marking a significant shift in the nation’s energy policy."

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking about using "repeal" in? (e.g., a news article, a discussion with friends, a school assignment?)

Synonyms for the word repeal

Practice with vocabulary repeal

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The legislature is actively debating whether to ______ the controversial tax law that has faced widespread public opposition.
  2. Many international organizations are campaigning to ______ the use of landmines worldwide.
  3. After years of advocacy, the human rights commission successfully pushed to ______ the discriminatory housing ordinance.
  4. The board of directors voted unanimously to ______ the new policy regarding remote work arrangements.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (Select all that apply if applicable)

  1. Which of the following actions refers to the official cancellation of a law or parliamentary act? a) Enforce b) Amend c) Repeal d) Ratify e) Propose

  2. The city council decided to ______ the new zoning regulations after public outcry. a) approve b) uphold c) revoke d) implement

  3. To "nullify" an agreement or law means to: a) Validate it b) Make it legally void c) Partially modify it d) Bring it into effect

  4. Which verbs describe the act of formally taking back or cancelling a previously issued order, regulation, or statute? a) Enact b) Repeal c) Rescind d) Institute e) Overturn

  5. The company chose to ______ its planned expansion into new markets due to economic uncertainties. a) accelerate b) postpone c) facilitate d) initiate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The government is planning on getting rid of the old ban on certain types of imports. Rewrite using "repeal" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The legal team formally cancelled the previous agreement because new evidence emerged. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "repeal"):

  3. Original: Activist groups are pushing for the formal cancellation of the death penalty. Rewrite using "repeal" or a related word form:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. repeal
  2. abolish
  3. repeal
  4. endorse

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Repeal
  2. c) revoke
  3. b) Make it legally void
  4. b) Repeal, c) Rescind, e) Overturn
  5. b) postpone

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government is planning on repealing the old ban on certain types of imports.
  2. The legal team formally rescinded the previous agreement because new evidence emerged.
  3. Activist groups are pushing for the repeal of the death penalty.

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