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make amends
/meɪk əˈmɛndz/
compensate for a wrongdoing
After realizing his mistake, he decided to make amends with his friend.
He wanted to apologize and do something to fix the harm he caused.
formalinformal
To compensate for a wrong or injury by offering repentance, apology, or restitution
The company made amends to the affected customers by offering refunds.
The company apologized and gave money back to the customers who were harmed.
She made amends for her past mistakes by volunteering at a charity.
She tried to make up for her mistakes by helping others.
This phrase is often used in legal, personal, or social contexts to indicate reparations for wrongdoing.
Collocations
make amends forto compensate for a specific wrongdoingmake amends toto compensate someone specifically
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage in Legal Contexts
In legal settings, 'make amends' often refers to financial or other forms of restitution.
Personal Relationships
In personal relationships, it can involve apologies, gestures, or actions to repair harm.
Gold Rule
Reparation vs. Compensation
'Make amends' implies a moral or ethical obligation, while 'compensation' is often more transactional.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from the Old French 'amender,' meaning 'to improve' or 'to correct.' The concept of making amends has been part of legal and moral traditions for centuries.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, often in situations where someone wants to acknowledge and correct a mistake or wrongdoing.
Word Breakdown
make
to create or perform
rootamends
corrections or reparations
rootEnglish Dictionary