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: remedy, better, ameliorate, correct

   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

Derived Forms

• aˈmender, noun
• aˈmendable, adjective

Other Words From

• a·mend·a·ble adjective
• a·mend·er noun
• non·a·mend·a·ble adjective
• re·a·mend verb
• un·a·mend·a·ble adjective
• un·a·mend·ing 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 same year, she told the Village Voice in an interview that she was open to making amends with her estranged son.

From Los Angeles Times

Crystal Palace did get something out from their game with Newcastle - Daniel Munoz missed an unbelievable chance but made amends with his header right at the end.

From BBC

Earlier this year, the UK government amended the Misuse of Drugs Act and brought 14 nitazenes under the highest band of drug classification, Class A.

From BBC

There will be more months of debate, during which MPs and peers could choose to amend parts of the bill.

From BBC

This is not the first time that a Canadian province or territory had amended the requirement of the Oath of Allegiance.

From BBC

Related Words

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