codicil: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical (Legal)
Quick answer
What does “codicil” mean?
a formal addition or supplement to a will that modifies, explains, or revokes provisions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a formal addition or supplement to a will that modifies, explains, or revokes provisions.
Any supplementary addition, appendix, or postscript that modifies an earlier document or statement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in legal meaning and usage. Minor differences may exist in ancillary legal procedures (e.g., witnessing requirements) but not in the term's definition.
Connotations
Equally formal and technical in both dialects.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language; used almost exclusively in legal contexts. No significant difference in frequency between dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “codicil” in a Sentence
[codicil] + to + [will/testament/document][verb] + a codicil + to + [will]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “codicil” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The will was effectively codiciled three years later.
- He sought legal advice to codicil his existing testament.
American English
- She codiciled her will to include the new grandchild.
- The estate plan was updated and codiciled in 2023.
adverb
British English
- The estate was distributed codicilarily.
- (Extremely rare; no standard example).
American English
- The changes were made codicilarily to the original will.
- (Extremely rare; no standard example).
adjective
British English
- The codicillary provisions were hotly contested.
- A codicil document must be properly executed.
American English
- The lawyer discussed the codicil amendments.
- They reviewed the codicillary clauses.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in estate planning, family business succession, and asset management contexts.
Academic
Found in law journals, history texts discussing inheritance, and literature analyzing legal documents.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used by someone directly involved in managing a will.
Technical
A precise term in probate law and estate law, requiring proper execution (signature, witnessing) to be valid.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “codicil”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “codicil”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “codicil”
- Pronouncing it /koʊˈdɪs.ɪl/ (incorrect stress).
- Using it to mean any small change (it implies a formal, written addition).
- Spelling: 'codicile', 'codical'.
- Using without 'to' (e.g., 'the codicil of the will' is less idiomatic than 'codicil to the will').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A codicil modifies an existing will, whereas a new will (often called a 'last will and testament') entirely replaces and revokes all previous wills.
Like a will, a codicil typically requires the signature of the testator (the person making the will) and must be witnessed by two (or sometimes more) competent individuals who are not beneficiaries.
Yes, but multiple codicils can create confusion and potential conflicts. Legal advice often recommends creating a new, consolidated will if several changes are needed.
It is suitable for minor or specific changes (e.g., changing an executor, adding a single gift). For major changes like altering the distribution of the main estate, drafting a new will is usually safer and clearer.
a formal addition or supplement to a will that modifies, explains, or revokes provisions.
Codicil is usually formal, technical (legal) in register.
Codicil: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒd.ɪ.səl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.də.səl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A codicil to one's life's work (metaphorical).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CODE-I-SILL' – Like adding a new line of 'code' (a change) to the 'sill' (foundation/edge) of a will.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WILL IS A DOCUMENT; A MODIFICATION IS AN APPENDAGE (a codicil is a limb or attachment to the main body).
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario would the term 'codicil' be used most precisely?