Word of the Day

: September 12, 2008

replete

adjective rih-PLEET

What It Means

1 : fully or abundantly provided or filled

2 a : abundantly fed

b : fat, stout

3 : complete

replete in Context

The children were delighted to find that the costume trunk was replete with dresses, hats, capes, and all sorts of props to play make-believe.

Did You Know?

Given that one of the roots of "replete" is the Latin verb "plēre," meaning "to fill," it isn't surprising that the word has synonyms such as "full" and "complete." "Replete," "full," and "complete" all indicate that something contains all that is wanted or needed or possible, but there are also subtle differences between the words. "Full" implies the presence or inclusion of everything that can be held, contained, or attained ("a full schedule"), while "complete" applies when all that is needed is present ("a complete picture of the situation"). "Replete" is the synonym of choice when fullness is accompanied by a sense of satiety.