Amends
n.kind, thoughtfulwarm
What it means
Actions taken to repair harm and restore goodwill.
Reach for it when describing accountable repair that follows acknowledgment of wrongdoing
He made amends by replacing the tools and apologizing directly.
Choose between these
6- everyday
regret needs direct expression
not when An apology alone may leave the damage unrepaired.
- warm
making things right
plain relational language fits the audience
not when The phrase can conceal what concrete repair is owed.
- professional
a remedy corrects injustice
not when Redress focuses on the harmed party's remedy, not renewed goodwill.
- professional
property or value must be returned
not when Restitution does not include apology or changed behavior.
- formal
moral repair and remorse are central
not when Atonement is broader and can remain symbolic.
- formal
reparation
material repair answers serious harm
not when Reparation can be institutional and need not restore a relationship.
Said against
3- further harm
- denial
- refusal
It naturally appears in
3- make amends
She returned to make amends with the neighbors.
- offer amends
The contractor offered amends by rebuilding the damaged wall.
- sincere amends
Sincere amends included repayment and a change in practice.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English plural noun sense: compensation or reparation for injury opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.