Popravak

Popravak is a noun used in Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, and Montenegrin to denote the act of repairing something or the result of that act. It encompasses restoring functionality, fixing defects, or mending worn items. The scope ranges from mechanical repairs and building maintenance to repairs of household appliances and clothing. In some contexts, popravak also refers to corrective measures aimed at restoring proper operation of a system or process.

Etymology and usage notes: The word derives from the verb popraviti, meaning to repair, formed with the prefix po- and the root prav- related to making something right. It has cognates in other Slavic languages, such as Polish poprawa and Russian popravka, reflecting a shared linguistic heritage. In everyday speech, popravak emphasizes the concrete act of mending, rather than textual or data corrections.

Contexts and examples: Typical collocations include popravak automobila (car repair), popravak kućnih aparata (repair of household appliances), and popravak vodovodnih cijevi (repair of water pipes). A popravak often follows inspection, diagnosis, and replacement of damaged components, and it is usually accompanied by testing to ensure normal operation. In technical fields, alternative terms may be used for specific kinds of repair or maintenance.

Software and data contexts: In computing, ispravka or patch is more common for software fixes, while popravak can be used in broader discussions of system maintenance or restoration, though it is less specialized in that domain.

See also: popraviti, ispravka, popravljenje.

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