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

Despite making amends with Ms Fallon, Harris's political rivals have been quick to capitalise on the incident, some saying it is an example of how carers have been dismissed by those in power.

From BBC

If he hasn’t, however, he may owe a substantial tax bill and should consider hiring a tax pro to help him amend his returns.

From Los Angeles Times

Chemerinsky, a constitutional scholar, believes the reform could be passed by Congress without amending the Constitution.

From Los Angeles Times

After the tribunal, City claimed the rules were "void" and criticised the Premier League's "misleading" suggestion they could be swiftly amended.

From BBC

Even if the council doesn’t abandon the pay hike altogether, the hotel association said it hoped to be able to persuade them to amend its terms in order to lessen the financial impact on hotels.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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