Amendment Meaning

UK /əˈmɛndmənt/
US /əˈmɛndmənt/
Word Definition
amendment meaning

Amendment Definition & Usage

noun

A formal change or addition to a law, contract, constitution, or other official document.

Examples

  • "The government proposed an amendment to the healthcare bill to expand coverage."
  • "He introduced an amendment to the original agreement to include environmental protections."
  • "After much debate, the constitutional amendment was ratified by the state legislature."
  • "The amendment to the contract was accepted by both parties without objection."
  • "The amendment of the zoning laws helped revitalize the neighborhood."
noun

A correction or revision made to a text, document, or statement.

Examples

  • "The editor made several amendments to the manuscript before publication."
  • "His amendment to the proposal was accepted by the team."
  • "She submitted an amendment to the speech, correcting a factual error."
  • "The software update included amendments to improve system security."
  • "I made an amendment to my earlier statement regarding the project's timeline."
noun

A change or adjustment made to improve a plan, policy, or process in a business context.

Examples

  • "The team discussed amendments to the marketing strategy during the meeting."
  • "We need an amendment to the company's mission statement to reflect our new goals."
  • "The amendment to the budget was approved after a thorough review."
  • "The company issued an amendment to its privacy policy to comply with new regulations."
  • "A series of amendments were proposed to improve customer satisfaction."

Cultural Context

The term 'amendment' has a rich history in legal and governmental contexts, particularly in relation to changes to constitutions, laws, or official documents. Notably, the U.S. Bill of Rights, which includes the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, is one of the most famous examples of amendments in history. Amendments play a critical role in refining and adapting legal systems and agreements to changing societal needs.

The Last-Minute Amendment

Story

The Last-Minute Amendment

In the bustling city of Kensington, a group of local lawmakers gathered in the conference room, working late into the night to finalize a new education bill. The tension was palpable as the clock ticked down to the deadline for submission. The bill had been debated for weeks, and while most of the details had been ironed out, there was one issue that remained unresolved: the funding for after-school programs. As the meeting dragged on, Sarah, a junior representative, suddenly spoke up. 'What if we amend the funding allocation? We could redirect a portion of the budget from administrative costs to support these programs.' Her suggestion was met with some skepticism, but after a few minutes of deliberation, the other lawmakers agreed. It was a simple amendment, but it could make a huge difference to the community. Later that evening, the committee voted unanimously to approve the amendment. The next day, the revised bill was presented to the full legislature, and after some final tweaks, it passed without issue. The amendment had been the key to securing enough votes. On the following week, Sarah received an email from the local school district, thanking her for her efforts. The new funding would go directly to programs that would help countless students stay engaged and succeed. As she reflected on the long process, Sarah realized how important it was to make thoughtful amendments, whether in laws, documents, or even personal goals. The story highlighted the role amendments play in shaping policies, whether large or small. It demonstrated how a well-timed adjustment could be the difference between success and failure. For Sarah, the amendment was more than just a change to a bill; it was a symbol of how small actions could lead to meaningful change.

The Last-Minute Amendment