amend
uh-MEND
/əˈmɛnd/
To make minor changes to (a text, law, etc.) in order to make it fairer or more accurate, or to improve it.
Implies improvement or correction, not a complete overhaul or replacement. Changes are typically intended to refine or update.
The story behind the word. The word 'amend' comes to us from the Old French 'amender', which traces back to the Latin 'emendare'. This Latin verb means 'to correct' or 'to free from fault', formed from 'e-' (meaning 'out' or 'from') and 'menda' (meaning 'fault' or 'physical blemish'). So, to 'amend' is literally to take the 'fault' 'out' of something, making it better or more accurate.
Word relationships
- modify: Similar to 'amend', but 'modify' can also imply changes that are not necessarily improvements.
- revise: To re-examine and make alterations to (written or printed matter); often implies a more extensive review than 'amend'.
- alter: To change or cause to change in character or composition, often without the specific connotation of improvement that 'amend' carries.
- repeal: To revoke or cancel a law entirely, rather than just changing it.
- preserve: To keep something in its original state, the opposite of changing it.
Commonly confused with
- repeal: 'Amend' means to change a law; 'repeal' means to cancel it entirely.
Word family
- amendment (noun): a minor change or addition designed to improve a text or piece of legislation
Collocations
- amend a law
- amend the constitution
- amend a document
- amend a proposal
Example sentences
- "The U.S. Constitution has been amended 27 times since its ratification, reflecting societal changes." Constitutional Law
- "Lawmakers proposed to amend the bill with several clauses aimed at strengthening consumer protections." Legislative Debate
Memory hook
To 'AMEND' is to 'MEND' something that's broken or needs improvement. Mend and improve
When not to use
Do not use 'amend' if the change is a complete replacement or cancellation of a law; in that case, 'repeal' or 'replace' would be more appropriate.
Fun facts
- The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
- In parliamentary procedure, an 'amendment' is a formal proposal to change a motion, bill, or other document.
Related words
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