“Amend” vs. “Emend”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “amend” and “emend”

  • Amend is often used in connection with laws or official documents, while emend is used more often with written texts like books or articles.
  • Amend typically involves making a broader change or adding new information, while emend involves making smaller corrections to errors or inaccuracies.
  • The focus of amend is on improving the practical function or effect of the thing being changed, while emend is focused on improving the quality of the written work itself.
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What is the definition of “amend” and “emend”?

Amend
  • To make a change or correction to something.
  • Usually used in reference to a document or law.
  • The purpose is to improve it or make it more accurate.
Emend
  • To make corrections to a written text or manuscript.
  • Usually these are changes to grammar, spelling, or other errors.
  • The purpose is to improve the clarity or accuracy of the writing.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Amend” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Amend
124,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The senator proposed to amend the constitution to grant equal rights to all citizens.
  2. The editor asked the writer to amend the article by adding more details about the topic.
  3. The company decided to amend its policy on overtime pay to accommodate its employees' needs.
Emend
1,610,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The scholar emended the text to correct the spelling errors and improve the clarity of the sentence.
  2. The publisher asked the author to emend the manuscript to address the reviewers' feedback and suggestions.
  3. The translator emended the document to ensure the accuracy of the translation and convey the intended meaning.
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