Amendment
uh-MEND-ment
/əˈmɛndmənt/
A minor change or addition designed to improve a text, piece of legislation, etc.
In a legal or political context, an 'amendment' is a formal alteration to a document, especially a constitution or law. It implies an improvement or correction, rather than a complete overhaul.
The story behind the word. The word 'amendment' comes from the Old French 'amendement,' meaning 'correction, improvement.' This, in turn, traces back to the Latin verb 'emendare,' which meant 'to correct, to free from fault.' The 'e-' prefix in Latin often changed to 'a-' in Old French and then English. So, an amendment is literally a 'correction' or 'improvement' made to a document or law.
Word relationships
- Modification: A general term for making changes, often less formal than 'amendment'.
- Revision: A process of re-examining and altering something, often a text, to improve it.
- Correction: An alteration made to rectify an error or inaccuracy.
- Repeal: The revocation or annulment of a law or act.
- Abolition: The act of formally putting an end to a system, practice, or institution.
Commonly confused with
- Addendum: An 'addendum' is an item added at the end of a book or other publication, a supplement. An 'amendment' is a change within the text or law itself.
Word family
- amend (verb): to make minor changes to (a text, piece of legislation, etc.) in order to make it fairer or more accurate, or to improve it.
- amendable (adjective): capable of being amended.
Collocations
- constitutional amendment
- proposed amendment
- pass an amendment
- ratify an amendment
- amendment to the law
Example sentences
- "The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, religion, and the press." Constitutional changes.
- "During the debate, several senators proposed an amendment to the bill to include stronger environmental protections." Legislative process.
- "The committee reviewed the proposed amendment to the company's bylaws before voting on its adoption." Document revision.
Memory hook
An 'AMEND-ment' is meant to 'AMEND' or improve something. AMEND and improve.
When not to use
Do not use 'amendment' for a complete rewrite or abolition of a document; it implies a modification or addition. For a total change, terms like 'repeal' or 'replacement' would be more appropriate.
Fun facts
- The U.S. Constitution has only 27 amendments, a testament to the difficulty of passing them and the stability of the original document.
Related words
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