amend
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈmɛnd/US/əˈmɛnd/
to make changes to a document, law, statement, or other written material, usually to improve or correct it
Example Sentences
The committee decided to amend the bylaws to allow for more flexible meeting schedules.
She proposed to amend the contract to include additional clauses for better protection.
After receiving feedback, the authors amended several sections of the manuscript to enhance clarity.
The government plans to amend the tax laws to provide greater relief to small businesses.
He worked late into the night to amend the report before the morning deadline.
The city council voted to amend the zoning regulations to encourage the development of green spaces.
In response to new evidence, the scientist amended her hypothesis to better fit the observed data.
They agreed to amend the agreement, ensuring that all parties' concerns were adequately addressed.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To revise or improve something, typically a text, policy, or law.“Amend” generally means to make changes or alterations to something in order to improve, correct, or clarify it. This word often appears in legal, formal, and academic contexts—for instance, amending a bill, a constitution, or a contract. In writing, you might say, “We need to amend the policy to reflect the new regulations,” or “They amended the original manuscript for accuracy.” Here, the intention is not to create an entirely new document, but to refine or adjust what already exists. To use “amend” properly, specify the subject of your modification and outline the purpose behind it. For example, “I plan to amend the minutes of the last meeting because of a recording mistake” signals that the change rectifies an inaccuracy. If you are speaking in a formal or professional environment, “amend” can convey both authority and precision—letting others know that your modification is deliberate and methodical. In a legal sense, “to amend” might require approval or follow a specific process governed by rules or protocols, such as a parliamentary procedure or a board vote. In casual contexts, you may use “amend” to emphasize the official or structured nature of your changes, but this might sound more formal than simply saying “change” or “edit.” That said, “amend” clearly indicates improvement or correction, so it can be useful when you want to highlight your intention of carefully revising something. Overall, “amend” gives weight to the idea of thoughtful revision, whether that revision is slight or quite extensive, as long as it builds upon an existing foundation rather than replacing it outright.
Alternatives
Depending on your purpose, several words or phrases can replace “amend.” For example, “revise” often indicates reviewing and making alterations, generally applicable to documents, essays, or creative work. “Modify” suggests an adjustment or shift, potentially minor or substantial, without implying formality. “Alter” underscores change on a broader scale, useful in both casual and formal contexts. If you want to show that you’re improving clarity or correctness, “correct” might suffice for smaller edits, while “update” works well for bringing something in line with current information or standards. Legal or governance contexts might prefer “ratify” if you’re formally confirming or validating changes. In day-to-day conversation, “edit” is a simpler alternative, although it doesn’t always imply the nuance of formal or legislative changes. All these choices highlight a transformation of existing text, rules, or frameworks. Pick the term that best suits the degree of formality, the scope of change, and the nature of the material. “Revise” may be more frequent in academic or literary contexts, while “modify” or “alter” can apply to a wide range of settings, from technology to personal plans. By choosing a synonym that resonates with your audience, you keep your language consistent and your intent unmistakable.
Writing
When using “amend” in written communication—be it formal documents, research papers, or corporate reports—you can emphasize the systematic approach behind your changes. For instance, you might write, “We propose to amend the current bylaws to reflect the newly adopted ethical guidelines.” This phrasing clarifies the nature of the revision (the bylaws), its scope (to incorporate new guidelines), and the reason (to ensure compliance and clarity). To strengthen your point, include details about the amendment process, any necessary approvals, or the projected impact of these changes. For instance, “The amendment will streamline decision-making, reduce redundancies, and align our practices with industry standards.” Presenting evidence, figures, or references can solidify your reasoning, showing that your amendments are grounded in thorough research and consideration. If your text addresses multiple amendments, organize them systematically—by sections or numbered lists—so readers can easily track each proposed revision. Clarity is vital: avoid vague language like “make it better” or “fix everything.” Instead, detail what you intend to change and why, underscoring how the amendments serve the broader goal. This clarity bolsters your credibility and reassures others that you approach adjustments carefully, rather than impulsively. Additionally, consider how “amend” differs from synonyms like “replace” or “overhaul.” “Amend” typically suggests working with what’s already there, fine-tuning or building upon an existing framework. Thus, use it judiciously when you want to emphasize that the original text or system is largely intact, but needs targeted improvements to function optimally.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “amend” can sound a bit formal, so you’ll often hear people say “change,” “edit,” or “fix.” Still, you might slip in “amend” if you want to highlight a structured or careful approach to making improvements. For instance, you could say, “I need to amend our dinner plans since the restaurant’s fully booked,” subtly underscoring that you are revising a previously established arrangement. Sometimes, using “amend” casually can also inject a bit of playful seriousness. For example, if you’re meeting friends for a party and realize the date needs to shift, you might text, “Let’s amend our schedule—Friday’s no good anymore,” indicating a deliberate shift from an agreed-upon plan. However, be mindful of your audience. In informal chats, using “amend” might sound unnecessarily stiff, unless your circle of friends or colleagues is accustomed to that register. Simpler words like “adjust,” “tweak,” or “revise” can feel more natural. In casual settings, “amend” might suit a scenario where you want to stress that the change is somewhat official or well-considered, especially if it’s a group plan or a semi-formal agreement. Balance the level of formality with the context to ensure you’re neither overcomplicating your language nor diluting the importance of the change you need to make.
Etymology
“Amend” stems from the Middle English term “amenden,” which itself derives from the Anglo-French “amender,” meaning “to correct or improve.” This traces back to the Latin phrase “emendare,” combining “e-” (a variant of “ex-,” meaning “out of”) with “mendare” (related to correction or setting right). Over time, the word broadened to include not only fixing errors but also updating or refining existing materials to reflect new information or better accuracy. Historically, “amend” often appeared in legal and political contexts, where formal documents—like statutes, charters, and constitutions—required precise, sanctioned changes. As societies evolved, the concept of “amendment” became integral to governance and lawmaking, symbolizing the idea that written rules could be recalibrated as human understanding and cultural values shifted. Outside of officialdom, “amend” found its way into academic, editorial, and everyday usage, always carrying the notion of constructive adjustment. Today, we see the root concept thriving in phrases like “emend,” generally reserved for carefully correcting texts, and “amendment,” which frequently refers to legislative or constitutional updates. Despite small shifts in nuance over centuries, the core meaning has remained stable: “amend” is about taking a preexisting entity—be it a law, a paper, or a plan—and refining or correcting it in a deliberate, measured manner.
