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

But the group has since changed its stance after the bill was amended with a legal provision that won’t allow individuals or private parties to sue streaming services for violating the law.

From Los Angeles Times

Paxton later amended his lawsuit to try to revoke Powered by People’s charter entirely.

From Salon

"The owners appear to be admitting defeat, holding their hands up and making amends," BBC Sheffield sports editor Rob Staton said.

From BBC

A third trial, of two officers and a solicitor accused of amending police statements, collapsed.

From BBC

The bill had already squeaked through the state Senate by a narrow margin earlier this year, but since it was amended in the following months, it required a second approval.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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