Word
amend
Meanings
to change a text, rule, or plan slightly in order to improve it or correct it
to officially change a law, policy, or formal agreement
Definition
To amend something is to change it slightly in order to improve it or correct it.
To amend means to make changes to a document, statement, or plan so that it becomes more accurate, clear, or effective. The changes are usually limited rather than a complete rewrite. It is also commonly used for formal texts such as laws, contracts, and policies.
Examples
- I will amend my report to address the reviewer’s concerns before resubmitting it.
- You should amend your email so the tone is clearer and less abrupt.
- She amended her original claim after checking the data more carefully.
- They amended the schedule to avoid overlapping deadlines across teams.
- The committee agreed to amend the proposal, but only after a lengthy debate.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "amend" with "make up"; "amend" means change something to improve it, not invent or compensate for it.
More at C1 level
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More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.