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Amendments Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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amendments

[ษ™หˆmษ›ndmษ™nts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal document

Amendments are changes or additions made to a legal document such as a contract, constitution, or law. They are typically used to update or improve the original document.

Synonyms

alterations, modifications, revisions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amendments

Typically used in legal, formal, or official contexts when referring to changes made to documents, laws, or agreements.

  • The amendments to the constitution were approved by the parliament
  • Several amendments have been added to the contract
modifications

Used in a broad sense to discuss adjustments or changes made to plans, machines, systems, or projects.

  • The project needed modifications to meet the new client requirements
  • Modifications to the car's engine improved its performance
revisions

Often used in academic and publishing contexts when referring to reviewing and making improvements or corrections to texts, manuscripts, or plans.

  • After receiving feedback from her editor, she made several revisions to her manuscript
  • The committee is working on revisions to the policy document
alterations

Commonly used regarding changes to physical objects or minor changes to plans, clothing, or buildings.

  • The tailor made some alterations to the dress to ensure it fit perfectly
  • The building underwent several alterations to meet new safety standards

Examples of usage

  • The amendments to the constitution were proposed by the committee.
  • She requested several amendments to the contract before signing it.
Context #2 | Noun

political context

In a political context, amendments refer to changes made to a bill or proposed law during the legislative process. These changes can alter the original intent of the bill.

Synonyms

additions, adjustments, modifications.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amendments

This duplicate entry should be ignored as it is already described above.
additions

This word is suitable when talking about including new elements or parts to something that already exists, often used in everyday situations or in contexts like construction or writing.

  • They made several additions to the house last summer.
  • She suggested some new additions to the proposal.
adjustments

Ideal for situations where small changes or tweaks are made to improve or correct something, frequently used in contexts like mechanics, settings, or schedules.

  • After some adjustments, the machine worked perfectly.
  • The teacher made adjustments to the lesson plan based on student feedback.
modifications

Utilize this word when referring to changes made to improve or alter something, typically in contexts like software, plans, or equipment. It can sometimes carry a slightly technical connotation.

  • The software requires some modifications before it can be released.
  • They made several modifications to the car to improve its performance.

Examples of usage

  • The senator introduced an amendment to the bill that would increase funding for education.
  • Several amendments were added to the proposed law before it was passed.
Context #3 | Noun

general usage

In general usage, amendments can refer to any changes or modifications made to a document, plan, or agreement to improve or update it.

Synonyms

adjustments, changes, revisions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amendments

Typically used in a legal or formal context to refer to modifications or additions made to documents, laws, or policies.

  • The senator proposed several amendments to the bill
  • The constitution has undergone several amendments since it was first written
adjustments

Often used to describe minor modifications made to improve the function or appearance of something. Commonly used in everyday scenarios and technical settings.

  • She made some small adjustments to the settings on her camera
  • After a month, I had to make a few adjustments to my diet
revisions

Used primarily in academic, professional, or creative contexts to describe the process of reviewing and improving a document, plan, or piece of work.

  • The author submitted her revisions to the editor
  • Our team is working on revisions to the project proposal
changes

A broad term that can be used in almost any context to describe an alteration or modification. It can be applied to both minor and major alterations.

  • There have been a lot of changes in the company over the past year
  • She noticed some changes in her health after starting the new medication

Examples of usage

  • She suggested a few amendments to the project proposal to make it more effective.
  • The amendments made to the schedule helped streamline the process.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term traces back to the Latin word 'amendare,' meaning 'to correct' or 'to make better.'
  • The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were adopted in 1791 to protect individual freedoms.
  • Various countries have their own processes for amendments, showcasing differing approaches to governance.

Law and Politics

  • Amendments can be proposed by legislatures or through popular initiative, highlighting the role of citizens in government.
  • In the U.S., only 27 amendments have been ratified since the Constitution was adopted, emphasizing the care taken with changes.
  • Amending a constitution usually requires a supermajority vote, reflecting the importance of broad consensus.

Civic Engagement

  • Amendments often spark public debate, as they can lead to significant changes in rights and responsibilities.
  • Activism has played a crucial role in advocating for amendments, demonstrating how citizens can influence legislation.
  • Understanding amendments is essential for being an informed citizen, as they can directly affect rights and laws.

Education

  • Teaching about amendments helps students understand the structure of government and the importance of legal processes.
  • Classroom discussions about historical amendments can illuminate social justice movements and their impact.
  • Educational materials often focus on famous amendments, like the suffrage amendment, to illustrate the evolution of rights.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and shows often reference constitutional amendments, using them to highlight social issues or critiques of government.
  • Songs and literature may explore themes of freedom and rights, often linking back to amendments within their narratives.
  • Public figures and celebrities occasionally advocate for new amendments, bringing attention to legal reforms through media.

Origin of 'amendments'

The word 'amendments' originated from the Latin word 'amendare,' which means 'to correct' or 'to improve.' The concept of making amendments to legal documents dates back to ancient times when civilizations like the Romans and Greeks used amendments to update their laws and constitutions. Over the years, the practice of amending documents has become a common and essential aspect of legal and political processes.

See also: amend, amendable, amended, amending, amendment, amends.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,649, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.