amendment
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a formal addition or change to a country's constitution.
a formal addition to or change in a constitution, such as the United States Constitution.
Simple“The First Amendment protects the right to free speech in the United States.”
In context“Ratifying a new amendment to the Constitution requires a significant majority, ensuring that fundamental laws are not changed on a whim.”
UsageUsually capitalized when referring to a specific numbered amendment (e.g., the Fifth Amendment).
- 02 C1 Advanced
a small change made to a piece of writing or a plan to make it better or more accurate.
the act of correcting or improving a text, statement, or process.
Simple“I have made a few minor amendments to the report based on your feedback.”
In context“The editor suggested several amendments to the manuscript to ensure the technical terminology was consistent throughout the chapters.”
UsageCommon in professional and academic writing when discussing drafts.
Synonyms
“UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Thursday condemned an amendment adopted by Türkiye’s parliament that would allow judges to give life sentences to child offenders convicted of serious crimes.”
“The amendment was approved by the contest's governing body, following feedback from participating broadcasters after Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.”
From French amendement, from Late Latin amendamentum, equivalent to amend + -ment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.