amend

[uh-mend]

verb (used with object)

1. to alter, modify, rephrase, or add to or subtract from (a motion, bill, constitution, etc.) by formal procedure.

   Congress may amend the proposed tax bill.

2. to change for the better; improve.

   to amend one's ways.

3. to remove or correct faults in; rectify.

   Synonyms: correct, remedy, better, ameliorate
   Antonyms: worsen

verb (used without object)

1. to grow or become better by reforming oneself.

   He amends day by day.

amend

/ əˈmɛnd /

verb

1. to improve; change for the better

2. to remove faults from; correct

3. to alter or revise (legislation, a constitution, etc) by formal procedure

Other Word Forms

• amendable adjective
• amender noun
• nonamendable adjective
• reamend verb
• unamendable adjective
• unamending adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of amend¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English amenden, from Old French amender, from Latin ēmendāre “to correct,” equivalent to ē- “out of, from” + mend(a) “blemish” + -āre infinitive suffix; e- ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of amend¹

C13: from Old French amender, from Latin ēmendāre to _emend

Synonym Study

Amend, emend both mean to improve by correcting or by freeing from error. Amend is the general term, used of any such correction in detail: to amend spelling, punctuation, grammar. Emend usually applies to the correction of a text in the process of editing or preparing for publication; it implies improvement in the sense of greater accuracy: He emended the text of the play by restoring the original reading.

Example Sentences

The latest bombardment came as Ukrainian negotiators were preparing for talks with US officials this weekend on an amended US peace plan.

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Van Dijk nearly made amends for his earlier blunder when he glanced a header against the bar from Mohamed Salah's corner.

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Subsequent changes in holdings or intentions must be reported in amended filings.

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A report to the IJB states if a smoking/inhalation room is added then the statement of prosecution policy may need to be amended, requiring further discussions with the Crown Office and the Lord Advocate.

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The former Royal Marine Commando, of Burghill Road in the West Derby area of the city, was asked to enter pleas to four counts that had been amended since his last appearance.

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Related Words

• alter 
• enhance 
• lift 
• modify 
• rectify 
• revise