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.

Example Sentences

So Wales have to make amends in a ground that is no longer a fortress.

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Pelosi was one of the most vocal and early proponents of Proposition 50, which amends the state constitution to give state Democrats the power through 2030 to redraw California’s congressional districts in their favor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“It’s going to be living the rest of my life making amends because I took something that was really beautiful and I just tore it down year after year, day after day.”

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Tottenham have two opportunities to make amends at home in the next week, with games against Copenhagen in the Champions League and Manchester United in the Premier League.

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Once Leclerc had made amends for passing Norris illegally by letting the McLaren back past on the run to Turn Four, Norris disappeared into the distance.

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Related Words

• apology 
• redress 
• reparation 
• restitution