amends
uh-MENDZ
/əˈmendz/
Reparation or compensation for a loss or injury.
Almost always used in the phrase 'make amends.' It implies a proactive effort to fix a relationship or a mistake.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'amender,' meaning 'to free from faults.' It’s the same root as 'emend' (to correct a text).
Word relationships
- reparation: Reparation is more formal and often used for countries or large groups.
- injury: The original harm that requires amends.
Commonly confused with
- amend: To 'amend' (verb) is to change a document; to 'make amends' (noun) is to fix a wrong.
Word family
- amend (verb): To make minor changes to a text or piece of legislation.
Collocations
- make amends
- seek to make amends
- offer amends
Example sentences
- "He tried to make amends by buying her a new vase to replace the one he broke." Personal reconciliation.
- "If we shadows have offended... Gentles, do not reprehend... Give me your hands, if we be friends, And Robin shall restore amends." A classic literary reference.
Memory hook
Amends = 'A-Mend'. You are 'mending' a broken relationship like you'd mend a torn shirt. Mending the relationship.
When not to use
It is a plural noun; you don't 'amend' a person, you 'make amends' to them.
Fun facts
- In the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, 'making amends' is the ninth step.
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