amendment
noun (countable)
UK/əˈmɛndmənt/US/əˈmɛndmənt/
The act or process of amending; making changes or modifications to something.
同義詞典
同義詞
反義詞
使用方式
A modification or addition designed to improve a law, contract, constitution, or other formal document.An "amendment" refers to an official change or addition made to a legal document, such as a constitution, statute, contract, or other formal agreements. Amendments are typically enacted to update, correct, or enhance the original document without replacing it entirely. For example, the United States Constitution has several amendments, including the Bill of Rights, which were added to address specific issues and protect individual liberties.In legislative contexts, amendments are proposed during the drafting or revision of laws to incorporate new provisions, remove outdated sections, or clarify existing language. For instance, a bill introduced in parliament may undergo numerous amendments before being passed into law. Similarly, in contracts, parties may agree to amendments to adjust terms based on changing circumstances or mutual consent.Amendments often require a specific process for approval, which may involve voting, consensus, or ratification by relevant authorities or parties involved. This ensures that changes are deliberate, considered, and agreed upon by those affected by the document.
替代選項
When seeking alternatives or related terms for "amendment," consider the following based on context:1. **Revision**: Emphasizes the process of reviewing and altering content, such as "The committee proposed a revision to the original proposal."2. **Modification**: Highlights changes made to adapt to new conditions, like "They made several modifications to the contract terms."3. **Supplement**: Refers to additions that enhance the original, for example, "A supplement was added to the constitution to address new rights."4. **Alteration**: Focuses on the act of changing, as in "The alteration of the policy was necessary to improve efficiency."5. **Update**: Indicates bringing something up to date, such as "The software received an update to fix security vulnerabilities."Choosing the right alternative depends on whether the focus is on the process, the nature of the change, or the specific context in which the amendment occurs.
寫作
In formal writing or academic papers, "amendment" is often used to discuss changes to legal or official documents. For example:- **Legal Context**: "The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition." Here, "amendment" refers to a specific change that has been formally adopted.- **Academic Analysis**: "This study examines the impact of the recent amendment to the environmental law, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 20%." In this sentence, "amendment" is used to discuss the effects of a particular legal change.- **Policy Writing**: "To address the evolving needs of the community, the city council approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance, allowing for mixed-use developments." This usage highlights the purpose and outcome of the amendment process.When writing about amendments, it's important to provide context about what is being amended, the reasons for the amendment, and its implications. Additionally, using specific examples can help clarify the concept and demonstrate its application in real-world scenarios.
日常對話
In everyday conversations, "amendment" might come up when discussing changes to rules, agreements, or plans. For example:- **Personal Agreements**: "We decided to make an amendment to our weekend plans to include a visit to the new café."- **Group Projects**: "There was an amendment to the project guidelines, so we need to update our approach accordingly."- **Informal Settings**: "After some feedback, we added an amendment to the game rules to make it more fair for everyone."Using "amendment" casually often involves simple adjustments or additions to existing arrangements, highlighting flexibility and responsiveness to new information or preferences. It conveys the idea that changes are being made thoughtfully to improve or adapt the original plan.
詞源
The term "amendment" originates from the Latin word "emendare," meaning "to correct or improve," which evolved into the Old French "amender." In Middle English, it became "amendement," retaining the meaning of making corrections or improvements. Historically, amendments have played a crucial role in legal and governmental contexts, allowing for the evolution and adaptation of foundational documents to meet changing societal needs.In the context of the United States Constitution, the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were introduced to address concerns about individual liberties and limit government power. Since then, amendments have been a fundamental mechanism for enacting changes and ensuring that legal frameworks remain relevant and just.The concept of amendment extends beyond legal documents, encompassing any formal changes made to agreements, contracts, or organizational policies. This evolution underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in various aspects of society.
