When planning or talking about a funeral, I know how easily the words repass and repast can become confusing especially when you want to speak respectfully about what happens after the service. So, which one is correct for a funeral? Repast is the correct word for a meal or gathering held after a funeral, while repass is usually a misspelling.
In this guide, I’ll explain the meaning, usage, and funeral context clearly so you can use the right word with confidence and respect.
Quick Answer
Repast is the correct word when you are talking about a meal after a funeral.
- Correct: “The family will host a repast after the funeral.”
- Incorrect for this meaning: “The family will host a repass after the funeral.”
Repast means a meal. Repass means to pass again or return through a place. They are different words with different meanings.
So, if you are writing a funeral announcement, invitation, program, or message about the meal after the service, use repast.
Repass vs Repast: Main Difference
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Correct? | Best Used For | Example |
| repass | To pass again or return | Yes, but not for a funeral meal | Movement or passing again | “The driver had to repass the same road.” |
| repast | A meal or food eaten at a meal | Yes | Meals and food | “A light repast was served.” |
| funeral repast | A meal or gathering following a funeral | Yes | Funeral and memorial settings | “The funeral repast will follow the service.” |
The key difference is simple: repast is about food, while repass is about passing again. Merriam-Webster defines repast as food or a meal and repass as passing again or returning.
What Does Repass Mean?
Repass is a verb. It means to pass again, especially to return through, over, or past something.
It can describe physical movement, such as going through the same place again. It can also be used in other contexts, including adopting or approving something again.
Examples:
- “The car had to repass the same street.”
- “The runners repassed the starting point.”
- “We repassed the building on our way home.”
- “The cyclist repassed the other rider.”
- “The legislature voted to repass the amended resolution.”
In these sentences, repass has nothing to do with food or funerals.
Is “Repass” a Real Word?
Yes. Repass is a legitimate English word. The problem is not that the word is always wrong.
The problem is using repass when you mean a funeral meal.
For example:
Correct:
“The family will gather for a repast after the funeral.”
Incorrect for the intended meaning:
“The family will gather for a repass after the funeral.”
So you should not simply think of repass as a misspelling. It is a real word with another meaning.
What Does Repast Mean?
Repast is a noun meaning a meal or food taken at a meal. It can refer to an ordinary meal, not only something connected with a funeral.
Examples:
- “The guests enjoyed a simple repast.”
- “The family prepared a repast for their visitors.”
- “A light repast was served before the journey.”
- “Everyone gathered around the table for the evening repast.”
- “The church provided a repast after the ceremony.”
The word repast is more formal or literary than the everyday word meal. That is one reason some people may not immediately recognize it.
What Does “Funeral Repast” Mean?
A funeral repast is a meal or gathering held after a funeral or memorial service.
It gives family members, friends, and other mourners a chance to gather together, eat, talk, share memories, and offer support.
A funeral repast may take place at:
- a family home
- a church
- a community hall
- a funeral home
- a restaurant
- another gathering place
The exact customs depend on the family, community, culture, and religious tradition.
The important language point is that repast refers to the meal or gathering involving food.
How to Use “Repast” for a Funeral
Use repast when you are referring to the food, meal, or post-funeral gathering.
Here are some natural sentence patterns:
- “The repast will follow the funeral service.”
- “Family and friends are invited to attend the repast.”
- “The funeral repast will be held at the church.”
- “A repast will be served after the memorial service.”
- “Please join us for a repast following the ceremony.”
Funeral Invitation Example
If you are preparing a funeral announcement, you could write:
“Family and friends are invited to join us for a repast following the funeral service.”
This wording clearly tells readers that there will be a gathering with food after the service.
When Should You Use “Meal” Instead?
Meal is always a simple and natural alternative.
For example:
- “A meal will be served after the funeral.”
- “Please join the family for a meal following the service.”
There is nothing wrong with saying meal. In everyday English, it may actually sound more natural.
Use repast when you want the more traditional or formal term, especially in funeral-related writing.
Where to Use These Words
Funeral Programs
Repast works well in a funeral program:
“Repast immediately following the service.”
This is short, clear, and appropriate for a formal announcement.
Funeral Invitations
You can write:
“Please join us for a repast following the funeral service.”
Emails
In a message about funeral arrangements:
“The family has arranged a repast after the service.”
Everyday Conversation
In casual speech, you can simply say:
“Are you staying for the meal after the funeral?”
You can also say:
“Are you staying for the repast?”
Both communicate the idea, but meal is more common in everyday English.
Professional Communication
Funeral homes, churches, event organizers, and family representatives may use repast when discussing arrangements.
For example:
“The repast will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall.”
School or Academic Writing
If you are writing about funeral customs, repast can be useful when you specifically mean the meal following a funeral.
For example:
“In some communities, family and friends gather for a repast after the funeral service.”
Why People Get Confused
The main reason is similar spelling.
Look at the two words:
repass
repast
They both begin with repa-, and only the final letter changes.
There is also a pronunciation issue. When someone says the word quickly, a person who has never seen repast written down may guess that it is spelled repass.
Another reason is that repast is not a word most people use every day. People normally say meal, food, or gathering in casual conversation.
So when someone hears “funeral repast,” they may write the word based on how it sounds.
The important thing to remember is that repast is the word connected with eating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Writing “Repass” for a Funeral Meal
Wrong:
“The family will have a repass after the funeral.”
Correct:
“The family will have a repast after the funeral.”
Explanation: The intended meaning is a meal, so repast is correct.
Mistake 2: Writing “Funeral Repass”
Wrong:
“Everyone is invited to the funeral repass.”
Correct:
“Everyone is invited to the funeral repast.”
Explanation: Funeral repast is the appropriate phrase for the post-funeral meal or gathering.
Mistake 3: Thinking the Words Are Alternative Spellings
Wrong idea:
“Repass and repast are two spellings of the same word.”
Correct idea:
“Repass and repast are separate words with different meanings.”
Explanation: Repass relates to passing again, while repast means a meal.
Mistake 4: Assuming Repast Only Applies to Funerals
Wrong idea:
“Repast only means a funeral meal.”
Correct idea:
“Repast generally means a meal, although it is also used for meals associated with funerals.”
Explanation: The word has a broader meaning than just funeral gatherings.
Real-Life Examples
At a Funeral
“The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a repast.”
In a Family Message
“Please join us for the repast after the burial.”
On a Funeral Program
“Repast immediately following the memorial service.”
In an Email
“The family has arranged a repast for relatives and close friends.”
In Conversation
“Are you going to the repast after the service?”
At a Church
“The church fellowship hall will be used for the funeral repast.”
In a Formal Announcement
“Family and friends are invited to attend the repast following the service.”
Using “Repass” Correctly
“The driver had to repass the same location after taking a wrong turn.”
Here, repass is correct because the person is passing through the location again.
Funeral Repast vs Funeral Meal
Both expressions can describe food or a gathering after a funeral, but they have a slightly different feel.
| Expression | Meaning | Style |
| funeral repast | Meal or gathering after a funeral | More traditional/formal |
| funeral meal | Meal after a funeral | Simple and direct |
| meal following the service | Food served after the service | Very clear |
| gathering after the funeral | Social gathering after the service | Broader; does not necessarily emphasize food |
If your audience may not know the word repast, meal following the service is especially clear.
Easy Trick to Remember
Use this simple memory trick:
Repast = food at the table.
The T in repast can remind you of table.
So:
Funeral + food = repast
But:
Passing again = repass
If you are talking about people eating together after a funeral, choose repast.
Simple Decision Guide
Ask yourself what you mean:
Are you talking about food or a meal?
↓
Yes → Repast
Are you talking about passing or going through something again?
↓
Yes → Repass
For a funeral:
Funeral + meal → Funeral repast
This quick test will help you choose the correct word without memorizing a complicated grammar rule.
Mini Quiz
1. Which word means a meal?
- a) repass
- b) repast
2. Which sentence is correct?
- a) “The family will hold a repass after the funeral.”
- b) “The family will hold a repast after the funeral.”
3. Which word means to pass again?
- a) repast
- b) repass
4. Fill in the blank:
“The funeral _____ will follow the service.”
- a) repass
- b) repast
5. Which sentence uses “repass” correctly?
- a) “We attended the repass after the funeral.”
- b) “The car had to repass the same street.”
6. Does “repast” always refer to a funeral?
- a) Yes
- b) No
Quiz Answers
- b) repast
- b) repast
- b) repass
- b) repast
- b) The car had to repass the same street.
- b) No
Related Confusing Words
- funeral or memorial service
- burial or interment
- obituary or death notice
- memorial or monument
- deceased or dead
- condolence or sympathy
- ceremony or service
- meal or repast
FAQs About Repass or Repast for Funeral
Is “repass” correct for a funeral meal?
No. If you mean the meal or gathering after a funeral, use repast. Repass has a different meaning related to passing again.
Is “repast” correct for a funeral?
Yes. A funeral repast can refer to a meal or gathering following a funeral or memorial service.
What is the difference between repass and repast?
Repass is a verb meaning to pass again or return. Repast is a noun meaning a meal. They are different words, not alternative spellings.
Which word should I use in a funeral invitation?
Use repast when referring to the meal after the service.
For example:
“Please join us for a repast following the funeral service.”
Is “repast” formal or informal?
Repast is more formal or literary than the everyday word meal. It is suitable for funeral programs, announcements, invitations, and other formal situations.
Conclusion
When you mean a meal or gathering after a funeral, use repast.
Repass is a different word that means to pass or go through something again.
The easiest way to remember the difference is repast = meal and repass = pass again.
For a funeral announcement, invitation, or program, funeral repast is the correct choice.
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I am Marlowe Bennett, a writer who enjoys exploring ideas, practical guidance, and useful information that can make everyday learning easier. I like turning complicated topics into simple, clear, and engaging content. Through my writing, I aim to give readers helpful insights they can understand and use with confidence.
Books:
- The Practical Guide to Everyday Knowledge
- Small Ideas, Better Decisions
Celeste Rowan
Adrian Mercer