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

Proposition 6, the ballot measure that would have amended the California Constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude in prison, failed.

From Los Angeles Times

Because the law, which passed unanimously, was amended during the council meeting, a second vote is required in the coming days.

From Los Angeles Times

Thursday's legal filing amends a lawsuit filed in a California court in August, and also includes LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman being added as a defendant.

From BBC

It has since been amended to clarify that a broker who is hired by a landlord — or a broker who publishes the rental property's listing — is to be paid by the landlord.

From Salon

If the bill passes its first vote later this month, it will receive further scrutiny from MPs and peers, who could choose to amend it.

From BBC

Related Words

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