amended: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Official, Legal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “amended” mean?
Changed or altered formally, usually to correct errors, improve clarity, or update.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Changed or altered formally, usually to correct errors, improve clarity, or update.
Refined or modified after reconsideration; a document, law, or statement that has been officially edited after its original version.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning differences. Used identically in legal, official, and general contexts.
Connotations
Slight formality in both varieties. Slightly more common in British official/government language.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both varieties due to shared legal and bureaucratic traditions.
Grammar
How to Use “amended” in a Sentence
NP be amended (by NP)NP amended NPamended to INFamended in accordance with NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amended” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee amended the motion before the vote.
- He amended his statement to reflect the new evidence.
American English
- Congress amended the bill in a late-night session.
- She amended the contract to include the new clause.
adjective
British English
- Please submit the amended version of the report.
- The amended legislation passed the House of Lords.
American English
- Attach the amended pages to the filing.
- The judge reviewed the amended complaint.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for updated contracts, proposals, and financial reports (e.g., 'the amended quarterly filing').
Academic
Refers to revised research papers, corrected data, or updated university regulations.
Everyday
Less common; used for corrected official forms (e.g., 'amended tax return') or changed plans.
Technical
Crucial in legal/parliamentary procedure; denotes a formally altered text, motion, or legislation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amended”
- Using 'amended' for major overhauls (use 'overhauled' or 'rewritten'). Confusing 'amended' with 'emended' (literary editing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's used for any formal document, statement, law, or plan that is officially changed, though it's most frequent in legal/governmental contexts.
'Amended' often implies formal, corrective changes to an original document, especially in law. 'Revised' suggests a more thorough review and possible reorganization, common in publishing/education.
Rarely. The noun form is typically 'amendment' (e.g., 'the first amendment'). 'Amended' is primarily a verb (past tense/participle) or adjective.
Usually, yes. It suggests corrections, additions, or updates rather than a fundamental transformation. A complete rewrite would not typically be called 'amended'.
Changed or altered formally, usually to correct errors, improve clarity, or update.
Amended is usually formal, official, legal, academic in register.
Amended: in British English it is pronounced /əˈmɛndɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmɛndəd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “plead the fifth (amended)”
- “the amended version stands”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A MEND' - you mend (fix) something, so an amended document is a mended/fixed one.
Conceptual Metaphor
DOCUMENT IS A TEXTILE (mending a tear), LAW IS A LIVING ENTITY (it can be surgically altered).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'amended' LEAST appropriate?