amends
UK[əˈmendz]US[əˈmendz]
n
something given or done to make up for a wrong or a loss
Etymology
the word 'amends' entered english in the 13th century via the old french 'amendes', the plural of 'amende', which signified a penalty or compensation. its ultimate source is the latin verb 'emendare', meaning 'to correct, improve, or free from fault', itself formed from 'e-' (a variant of 'ex-', meaning 'out') and 'mendum' (meaning 'fault, blemish'). the semantic journey is from the concrete act of correcting a fault (emendare) to the specific legal concept of a monetary fine for an offense (amende), and finally to the modern, more abstract sense of making reparation or compensation for any wrong. the retention of the plural form '-s' in english fossilizes its origin as a collective noun for reparative actions or compensation.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is a plural noun derived from the singular 'amende', borrowed from old french, meaning 'a fine, reparation'. the old french term itself originates from latin 'emendare', meaning 'to correct, free from fault'.
Examples
he offered to pay for the damages as amends for his mistake.
she felt she had to make amends for forgetting her friend's birthday.
the public apology was seen as a first step toward amends.