abolish, cancel, repeal的用法辨析

这些动词均含“取消、废除”之意。

1. abolish 正式用词，指彻底废除某种制度、规章或习俗。如：

They recommend that this tax be abolished. 他们建议取消这种税。

It is appropriate that this tax be abolished. 废除这个税是恰当的。

They were faced with the demand that this tax be abolished. 他们面对废除这个税的要求。

2. cancel 用法广泛，多指取消债务、合同、证书、比赛、旅行、计划或约会等。如：

They cancelled the meeting. 他们把会议取消了。(from www.yywords.com)

He cancelled his order for the books. 他取消了对这些书的订单。

We may have to cancel the plan. 我们可能需要取消这项计划。

I haven’t had to cancel my appointment after a11. 我终究不必取消约会。

To my disappointment。the concert Was cancelled. 使我失望的是音乐会取消了。

3. repeal书面用词，指撤销立法机关通过的协议、法案或法律等。