# amends

/əˈmɛndz/ (US) · /ɐmˈɛndz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amends
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

something you do to fix a mistake or make up for hurting someone. You usually use it in the phrase 'make amends'.

For teachers: an action taken to repair a wrong or injury; to compensate for a fault. Typically used in the fixed phrase 'make amends'.

## Examples

- He sent flowers to make amends for his rude comment.
- She offered to pay for the dinner to make amends for being late.
- The company issued a public apology and donated to charity to make amends for the environmental damage caused by the spill.

## Pitfalls

- Not "make an amend" but "make amends" — The word is always plural in this idiom; 'amend' as a singular noun is rare and archaic.

## Usage notes

- Always used in the plural form 'amends' and typically follows the verb 'make'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.