amend

Everyday

1. To amend something written, like a law, rule or document, is to change it a little to correct or improve it. tree →
2. To make amends is to do something good to show you are sorry for a wrong you did. tree →

In the lessons

Used in law and civics (amending a constitution, the Amendments to the US Constitution), in schoolwork (amend your draft), and in stories about saying sorry.

Examples

• The council voted to amend the rules for the park. tree →
• Please amend your story to add more detail. tree →
• The law was amended to protect wild birds. tree →
• The teacher amended my mark after checking again. tree →
• He made amends by fixing the broken fence. tree →
• She wanted to make amends for being unkind. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun «amendment» (a change to a law). «Amends» is always plural in «make amends». Not the same as «emend» (to correct a text, very formal).

In Jewish tradition

Here it means to change one's behavior and make it better, as when Jeremiah calls the people to mend their ways.

Interpretation. This is close to teshuvah, repentance. The prophets say that if people truly change, God will relent from the evil He announced.

Examples

• Nay, but if ye thoroughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye thoroughly execute justice between a man and his neighbour; (Prophets JER.7.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. (Prophets JER.7.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and hearken to the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent Him of the evil that He hath pronounced against you. (Prophets JER.26.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun «amendment» (a change to a law). «Amends» is always plural in «make amends». Not the same as «emend» (to correct a text, very formal).