Amend vs. Emend — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Amend refers to making improvements or corrections generally, while Emend specifically pertains to correcting or revising text.
Difference Between Amend and Emend
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Amend pertains to making improvements or corrections to policies, documents, or statements. On the other side, emend is specifically focused on making corrections or revisions to texts, primarily in written form.
When you amend something, you alter it, possibly for improvement or adaptation to different circumstances. In a stark contrast, to emend means exclusively correcting errors, especially within a text, without the implication of making situational adaptations.
Amend is broader in application and can apply to laws, agreements, or plans, essentially reflecting an adjustment or change. Emend, however, is more specialized, usually implying an intention to correct or rectify errors found in written documents or publications.
The act of amending might involve addition, deletion, or alteration to improve or make something more accurate. While emending invariably involves making textual corrections, often with the specific purpose of eliminating mistakes or inaccuracies.
While amend might refer to rectifying, updating, or modifying various types of materials or policies, emend remains steadfastly linked to the act of correcting textual or written errors, such as typos or misprints, to ensure accuracy and clarity.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Verb
Definition
Make changes to improve or correct
Correct or revise text
Synonyms
Modify, alter
Correct, revise
Usage
Broad (laws, statements, policies, etc.)
Specific (textual corrections)
Example
Amending the law
Emending a manuscript
Compare with Definitions
Amend
Making Better:
The senator sought to amend the existing law.
Emend
Modifying for Accuracy:
He had to emend the historical information in the article.
Amend
Correcting Errors:
The editor will amend the article before publication.
Emend
Rectifying Typos:
She took the time to emend the document meticulously.
Amend
Updating Content:
She decided to amend her will.
Emend
Revising Written Work:
The author decided to emend the second edition of the book.
Amend
Improving Quality:
The scientist tried to amend the experimental design.
Emend
Correcting Text:
The proofreader will emend the manuscript for errors.
Amend
Make minor changes to (a text, piece of legislation, etc.) in order to make it fairer or more accurate, or to reflect changing circumstances
The rule was amended to apply only to non-members
Emend
Adjusting for Clarity:
The editor will emend the confusing sentence structure.
Amend
Improve the texture or fertility of (soil)
Amend your soil with peat moss or compost
Emend
Make corrections and revisions to (a text)
These studies show him collating manuscripts and emending texts
Amend
To change for the better; improve
"The confinement appeared to have had very little effect in amending his conduct" (Horatio Alger).
Emend
To improve by critical editing
Emend a faulty text.
Amend
To alter the wording of (a legal document, for example) so as to make more suitable or acceptable.
Emend
(transitive) To correct and revise (text or a document).
Amend
To enrich (soil), especially by mixing in organic matter or sand.
Emend
To purge of faults; to make better; to correct; esp., to make corrections in (a literary work); to alter for the better by textual criticism, generally verbal.
Amend
To better one's conduct; reform.
Emend
Make improvements or corrections to;
The text was emended in the second edition
Amend
(transitive) To make better; improve.
Amend
(intransitive) To become better.
Amend
To heal (someone sick); to cure (a disease etc.).
Amend
To be healed, to be cured, to recover (from an illness).
Amend
(transitive) To make a formal alteration (in legislation, a report, etc.) by adding, deleting, or rephrasing.
Amend
An act of righting a wrong; compensation.
Amend
Clip of amendment
I've sent over a new version of the doc with some amends.
Amend
To change or modify in any way for the better
Mar not the thing that can not be amended.
An instant emergency, granting no possibility for revision, or opening for amended thought.
We shall cheer her sorrows, and amend her blood, by wedding her to a Norman.
Amend
To grow better by rectifying something wrong in manners or morals; to improve.
Amend
Make amendments to;
Amend the document
Amend
To make better;
The editor improved the manuscript with his changes
Amend
Set straight or right;
Remedy these deficiencies
Rectify the inequities in salaries
Repair an oversight
Amend
Modifying Provisions:
They agreed to amend the contract.
Common Curiosities
Is emend used for altering laws?
No, emend is specifically used for correcting textual or written errors.
Can you amend a text?
Yes, you can amend a text, which may involve changes for improvements or corrections.
Is emend applicable to documents?
Emend is used for correcting textual errors within documents, not for broader changes.
What does amend mean?
Amend means to make changes to improve or correct something.
Can amend relate to policies?
Yes, policies can be amended to be updated, corrected, or improved.
What is the primary focus of emend?
Emend specifically involves correcting or revising text.
Does amend always imply improvement?
Not always, amend means making changes, which could be for correction or improvement.
Is amending a narrow term?
No, amending can refer to a wide range of corrective or adaptive changes.
How is emend used in publishing?
In publishing, emend is used to make corrections to a text before it is published.
Can an agreement be amended?
Yes, an agreement can be amended to adapt or improve its provisions.
Can emend mean making substantial changes?
Emend typically involves making specific corrections rather than substantial changes.
Can emend refer to clarifying text?
Yes, emending can involve correcting or clarifying textual content.
Can you amend a law?
Yes, laws can be amended to introduce changes or improvements.
Is emending related to editing?
Yes, emending involves a form of editing focused on correcting errors.
Can you amend a statement?
Yes, statements can be amended to correct or adapt them.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
