Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Compensation or reparation for a loss, damage, or injury: Something, often a sum of money, given to make up for a wrong or harm that has been caused.
   • An act of atonement or correction for a wrong: Something done to apologize or to set right a fault or offense.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • He wanted to make amends for his rude behavior. (He wanted to do something to apologize and correct his mistake.)
  • The company paid financial amends to the affected customers. (The company gave money to compensate the customers for the problem.)
  • She felt that a simple apology was not enough; she needed to make proper amends. (She believed she had to do more than just say sorry to fix the wrong.)

Advanced Usage

• "to make amends": This is the most common and fixed phrase. It means to compensate for a wrong or injury, to atone.
  • After the argument, he tried to make amends by helping with the chores.
  • The new policy is an attempt to make amends for past injustices.

Variants and Related Words

• Amend (verb): To make minor improvements or corrections to a text, law, or one's ways.
  • The committee voted to amend the proposal.
• Amendment (noun): A minor change, addition, or correction, especially to a legal document.
  • The first amendment to the constitution guarantees free speech.

Synonyms

• Compensation: Something, typically money, awarded to someone for loss or injury.
• Reparation: The making of amends for a wrong, often involving payment.
• Redress: Remedying or setting right an undesirable or unfair situation.
• Atonement: Reparation for a wrong or injury, often with a moral or spiritual connotation.

Notes on Usage

• The word "amends" is almost always used in its plural form.
• It is most frequently used in the fixed phrase "to make amends (for something)". Using it outside this phrase is rare and formal.
• It implies a corrective action, not just a feeling of regret.

Noun

1. something done or paid in expiation of a wrong
   • how can I make amends
2. a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury