[Vocabulary] water proofing vs. water repellent

Status
Not open for further replies.

olihina

New member
Joined
Feb 27, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
This is my first post here... Please help me to understand the difference between proofing and repellent.

I understand that "water proofing" is something which is water-resistant, but for water repellent I found two contrary explanations:

1. ... that absorbs water
2. ... resistant to water but not totally waterproof
Thanks,
Oli:cry:
 

The French

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2009
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
French
Home Country
France
Current Location
France
This is my first post here... Please help me to understand the difference between proofing and repellent.

I understand that "water proofing" is something which is water-resistant, but for water repellent I found two contrary explanations:

1. ... that absorbs water
2. ... resistant to water but not totally waterproof
Thanks,
Oli:cry:

Hi I am not a teacher,

but click on this link and you will find waht you are looking for.

Link: /dictionary.cambridge.org/results.asp?searchword=repellent&x=42&y=9

Bye.
 

BobK

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Location
Spencers Wood, near Reading, UK
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
This is my first post here... Please help me to understand the difference between proofing and repellent.

I understand that "water proofing" is something which is water-resistant, but for water repellent I found two contrary explanations:

1. ... that absorbs water
2. ... resistant to water but not totally waterproof
Thanks,
Oli:cry:

I've never met meaning 1. The words 'but not totally waterproof' are important. Some clothes are marked as 'water-repellent', or sometimes 'showerproof'; this means they won't fall to bits if you get caught in a shower now and then, but if there's proper rain then all bets are off! ;-)

b
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
Also, water-repellent is often used with products that would normally not prevent water passing through them- like materials for clothes that have been treated.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top