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Amendment

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A change or addition made to a document, law, or policy.
2. A formal change or correction to a legal or official document.
3. An improvement or alteration to something, often for the better.

History and Origin

The word “amendment” comes from the Latin amendare, meaning “to correct or fix.” It evolved into the Old French amendement, which referred to the act of improving or modifying something. In English, the term has been used since the 14th century, especially in legal and political contexts, to describe changes made to official documents, laws, or constitutions. The concept is most commonly associated with constitutional or legal documents, where amendments serve to modify existing provisions or add new ones.

Detailed Explanation

An “amendment” refers to a formal change or improvement made to a law, document, or agreement. It can apply to various contexts, including legal, political, or even social documents. In the legal sense, an amendment typically refers to a change to a law or constitution, such as the amendments made to the U.S. Constitution. These changes are often made to correct deficiencies, address new needs, or reflect evolving values.

Amendments can range from small corrections to substantial revisions, and the process for making amendments varies depending on the type of document and the governing body. In political or legal terms, amendments often require formal approval through voting, public hearings, or legislative procedures. In non-legal contexts, amendments may simply involve changes or improvements made to a plan, policy, or system.

Example Sentences

1. The government passed an amendment to the healthcare law to include more benefits for families.
2. The amendment to the constitution allowed for broader civil rights protections.
3. The senator proposed an amendment to the bill to address environmental concerns.
4. After reviewing the contract, they decided to make several amendments to the terms.
5. The amendment to the original proposal was accepted by the committee.
6. The U.S. Constitution has been amended multiple times throughout history.
7. The amendment to the school policy clarified the rules regarding absenteeism.
8. The group voted in favor of the amendment to extend the project deadline.
9. After much debate, the amendment was passed with overwhelming support.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Revision – A change or modification to a document or plan, often to improve or correct it.
2. Alteration – A change or adjustment made to something, particularly in a formal or official context.
3. Modification – A small or partial change to improve or update something.
4. Change – A broad term referring to any alteration, whether small or significant.
5. Improvement – A beneficial change that enhances something, often used in the context of upgrades or refinements.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Correction – A change made to fix an error or mistake, often related to amendments in official documents.
2. Addition – A supplementary change that introduces something new to a document or law.
3. Update – A change made to bring something current or in line with present needs or standards.
4. Refinement – A slight improvement or enhancement, typically involving a more polished version of something.
5. Reform – A significant change aimed at improving a system or policy, often used in political or social contexts.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Constitutional Change – A formal change made to a country’s constitution, often through amendments.
2. Revisal – The act of revising or reviewing something, particularly to make changes or improvements.
3. Adjustment – A minor change or modification made to improve or correct something.
4. Restoration – The process of returning something to a former state or improving its original form.
5. Supplement – An addition made to something to enhance or complete it, often used in reference to amendments.

Antonyms

1. Stagnation
2. Inaction
3. Consistency
4. Stability
5. Preservation