Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Emendation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

✍️
Add to dictionary

emendation

[ɪˌmɛnˈdeɪʃən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

editing process

Emendation refers to the act of making corrections or improvements, especially to a text. It is often used in the context of editing literary works or manuscripts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Synonyms

alteration, amendment, correction, revision.

Examples of usage

  • The emendation of the manuscript improved its overall quality.
  • Scholars discussed the necessary emendations to the ancient texts.
  • Her emendation of the draft clarified several ambiguous passages.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous authors, like Shakespeare and Hemingway, often made emendations to their original drafts to clarify meanings.
  • Many literary critics emphasize the importance of emendation in preserving the integrity and accuracy of classic texts.

Education

  • In academic writing, emendation is a crucial part of the editing process, helping students refine their arguments.
  • Peer-reviewed articles undergo extensive emendation to ensure clarity and precision in scholarly communication.

Technology

  • With advancements in digital editing software, emendation can be done easily and quickly, enhancing the writing process.
  • Collaborative documents allow multiple users to suggest emendations in real-time, improving team projects.

Psychology

  • The process of emendation can be seen as a form of cognitive reflection, where a writer reassesses and improves their work.
  • Making emendations may help individuals develop a greater understanding of language structure and stylistic choices.

Origin of 'emendation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin term 'emendatio', which combines 'e-' (out of) and 'menda' (fault).
  • In medieval times, scribes would often make emendations in texts to correct errors from copying manuscripts.

The term 'emendation' originates from the Latin word 'emendatio', derived from 'emendare', which means 'to correct' or 'to free from faults'. The Latin root combines 'e-' (a variant of 'ex-', meaning 'out of') with 'menda' (meaning 'fault' or 'error') to convey the idea of removing errors. The use of 'emendation' in English dates back to the late 16th century, reflecting a growing interest in textual criticism and the accurate preservation of literary works. In scholarly contexts, it has been associated with the careful analysis and alteration of texts to better reflect the author's original intent, particularly in historical documents and literary masterpieces.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,795, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.