amends

[uh-mendz]

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. reparation or compensation for a loss, damage, or injury of any kind; recompense.

   Synonyms: restitution, redress

2. Obsolete.,  improvement; recovery, as of health.

amends

/ əˈmɛndz /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) recompense or compensation given or gained for some injury, insult, etc

   to make amends

Word History and Origins

Origin of amends¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English amendes, from Middle French, plural of amende “reparation,” noun derivative of amender “to repair, correct errors in, improve the condition of”; amend

Word History and Origins

Origin of amends¹

C13: from Old French amendes fines, from amende compensation, from amender to _emend

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. make amends, to compensate, as for an injury, loss, or insult.

   I tried to make amends for the misunderstanding by sending her flowers.

see make amends.

Related Words

• apology 
• redress 
• reparation 
• restitution