What does "amendment" mean?

1. (constitutional change) a formal addition or change to a country's constitution. 2. (general correction) a small change made to a piece of writing or a plan to make it better or more accurate.

How do you use "amendment"?

Usually capitalized when referring to a specific numbered amendment (e.g., the Fifth Amendment). Common in professional and academic writing when discussing drafts.

amendment

US //əˈmɛndmənt// UK //ɐmˈɛndmənt// amend·ment

1 constitutional change (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate American English Law

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.

Example

The First Amendment protects the right to free speech in the United States.

Example

Ratifying a new amendment to the Constitution requires a significant majority, ensuring that fundamental laws are not changed on a whim.

Usage

Usually capitalized when referring to a specific numbered amendment (e.g., the Fifth Amendment).
- article
- clause
2 general correction (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Academic

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.

Example

I have made a few minor amendments to the report based on your feedback.

Example

The editor suggested several amendments to the manuscript to ensure the technical terminology was consistent throughout the chapters.

Usage

Common in professional and academic writing when discussing drafts.

Origin

From French amendement, from Late Latin amendamentum, equivalent to amend + -ment.