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

It has got Anutin to agree to call an election within four months, and to start the process of amending the military-drafted constitution.

From BBC

They were previously headed for divorce in 2020, but seemingly made amends.

From Los Angeles Times

Constitution, which outlines how the document can be amended.

From Los Angeles Times

Will Alexander Isak get the move to Liverpool he wants... or have to try to make amends at St James' Park?

From BBC

Since the law was a supplementary measure amending the main budget bill, it sidestepped substantive public hearings.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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