amend
UK: əˈmend | US: əˈmend
vt. to make minor improvements or corrections to something (e.g., a document or law)
vt. to reform or rectify behavior or habits
vi. (archaic) to improve morally or spiritually
The word "amend" traces back to Latin emendare, meaning "to remove faults." Over time, the prefix e- (out) merged with mendare (to repair), evolving into Old French amender before entering Middle English as "amend." The core idea of "correcting or improving" has remained consistent, though its usage expanded from textual edits to broader behavioral or moral reform.
The committee voted to amend the proposal before final approval.
He promised to amend his careless spending habits.
The constitution was amended to protect new civil rights.
(Archaic) She sought to amend her ways after the spiritual retreat.
The judge allowed the lawyer to amend the legal document.