[Vocabulary] water proofing vs. water repellent

[olihina]

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

 

[The French]

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

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]

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

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]

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.