emend
verb
transitive verb
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Amend vs. Emend
The question of whether to use amend or emend is a vexing one for many people, complicated by the fact that the words sound quite similar and have meanings that overlap to a considerable degree. Both words can be used with the meanings “to improve” or “to correct,” but there are subtle differences. Emend is most often used in connection with changes to some form of written material, such as a text or manuscript; while such documents may also be described as amended, amend can apply to improvements or corrections made to things other than writing, as in “he amended his behavior.” The confusion is compounded by the fact that one of the most frequently encountered uses of amend is in reference to a document: the Constitution of the United States.
Synonyms
- amend
- correct
- debug
- rectify
- red-pencil
- reform
- remedy
Example Sentences
Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 24 Jan. 2020 Since preservation is no longer an issue, why not amend and emend the rules to play out the final? Jon Wertheim, SI.com, 24 July 2019 Word History
Middle English, from Latin emendare — more at amend
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
Emend
trademark
emend
verb
Synonyms & Similar Words
- amend
- correct
- rewrite
- reform
- remedy
- rectify
- revise
- change
- improve
- modify
- rework
- shorten
- repair
- debug
- redraft
- right
- better
- ameliorate
- adjust
- redraw
- alter
- red-pencil
- regulate
- polish
- restyle
- redress
- blue-pencil
- perfect
- fix
- modulate
- mend
- cut
- touch up
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- impair
- injure
- harm
- hurt
- spoil
- damage
- mar
- aggravate
- worsen
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of emend are amend, correct, rectify, redress, reform, remedy, and revise. While all these words mean "to make right what is wrong," emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript.
Amend, reform, and revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes.
The words correct and emend can be used in similar contexts, but correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects.
In some situations, the words rectify and emend are roughly equivalent. However, rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed.
The synonyms redress and emend are sometimes interchangeable, but redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance.
While the synonyms reform and emend are close in meaning, reform implies drastic change.
The meanings of remedy and emend largely overlap; however, remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil.
While in some cases nearly identical to emend, revise suggests a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes.