Amending: meaning, definitions and examples

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amending

 

[əˈmɛndɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal

Make minor changes in (a text) in order to make it fairer, more accurate, or more up-to-date.

Synonyms

adjust, alter, correct, modify, revise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
modify

Used when making changes to something, often to make it more suitable for a particular purpose; these changes are often less significant than those implied by 'alter'.

  • We need to modify our plans according to the new schedule
  • The car was modified for better performance
revise

Used primarily in academic or written contexts, meaning to review and make changes to improve the work.

  • You should revise your essay before submitting it
  • The textbook was revised to include the latest research
alter

Used when making more significant changes to something, often to change its fundamental nature.

  • She had the dress altered to fit her better
  • The new law will alter the way schools are funded
correct

Used when fixing something that is wrong or inaccurate.

  • Please correct the spelling errors in your essay
  • He corrected the mistake on the report
adjust

Used when making minor changes to improve something or make it more suitable.

  • He adjusted the height of the chair
  • The mirror can be adjusted to your own personal preference

Examples of usage

  • The bill needs amending before it can be passed into law.
  • The contract was amended to include the new terms and conditions.
  • The judge allowed the lawyer to amend the wording of the document.
  • The constitution was amended to grant more rights to citizens.
  • The errors in the report were amended before final submission.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

An amendment or change made to a text, law, or contract.

Synonyms

adjustment, alteration, correction, modification, revision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amending

This term is often used in legal, formal, or official documents to describe making changes to something such as laws, contracts, or agreements.

  • The constitution was amended to include new rights for citizens
  • The contract needs amending to reflect the new regulations
modification

This term is used for making changes that specifically involve improvements or updates, and can apply to a wide range of contexts including software, machinery, or plans.

  • The software needed major modifications to work with the new operating system
  • They are planning modifications to increase the car's speed
revision

Often used in the context of academic work, official reports, or documents where substantial reviewing and reworking are required to improve quality or accuracy.

  • The report went through multiple revisions before it was finalised
  • Students were advised to do a thorough revision of their notes before the exam
alteration

This term is used for noticeable changes, often in the context of clothing or physical objects, but can also refer to significant changes in documents or situations.

  • She took the dress to a tailor for some alterations
  • The building underwent several alterations during the restoration process
correction

Used for fixing mistakes or errors, and often has a negative connotation as it implies there was something wrong that needed fixing. Common in educational or proofreading contexts.

  • The teacher made corrections to the student's essay
  • He issued a correction on his previous statement
adjustment

This is suitable for slight changes made to something to improve it or make it more suitable for a particular purpose. Commonly used in daily life, work, or financial contexts.

  • After buying the new dress, she needed to make a few adjustments for a better fit
  • Financial adjustments were necessary due to the unexpected expenses

Examples of usage

  • The amending of the constitution was a lengthy process.
  • The amending of the agreement was necessary to resolve the dispute.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'amend' comes from the Latin 'amendere', which means 'to correct' or 'to fix'.
  • In the 14th century, 'amend' was often used in the context of religious texts and legal documents.
  • The transformation from 'amend' to 'amending' highlights its continuous action, indicating it's an ongoing process.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, amending documents like contracts or constitutions is crucial for adapting to new situations or correcting errors.
  • The process of amending laws often involves extensive debate and discussion within legislative bodies.
  • Amendments to constitutions, such as the U.S. Constitution, are significant societal changes that can alter the course of a nation.

Literature

  • Authors frequently amend their works based on feedback from editors or readers, improving the story or clarity.
  • The concept of amending is a theme in many stories, emphasizing growth and the desire to make things right.
  • Famous literary works, such as those of Shakespeare, underwent amendments as they were adapted for different audiences and contexts.

Psychology

  • Psychologists discuss the importance of amending one's thoughts or behaviors for improved mental health.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy often includes skills to help individuals amend negative thinking patterns.
  • Experiencing regret can lead to an urge to amend past actions, demonstrating how we strive to correct our mistakes.

Cultural Practices

  • In various cultures, traditions and social norms are amended over time to reflect changing values and beliefs.
  • Amending communal practices can strengthen ties among community members, allowing for more inclusive participation.
  • Culinary traditions often experience amendments, where recipes evolve to include new ingredients or techniques.

Translations

Translations of the word "amending" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emendar

🇮🇳 संशोधन करना

🇩🇪 ändern

🇮🇩 mengubah

🇺🇦 вносити зміни

🇵🇱 zmieniać

🇯🇵 修正する (しゅうせいする)

🇫🇷 amender

🇪🇸 enmendar

🇹🇷 değiştirmek

🇰🇷 수정하다

🇸🇦 تعديل

🇨🇿 upravovat

🇸🇰 upravovať

🇨🇳 修改 (xiūgǎi)

🇸🇮 spreminjanje

🇮🇸 breyta

🇰🇿 өзгерту

🇬🇪 შეცვლა

🇦🇿 dəyişmək

🇲🇽 enmendar

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,784 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.