enmendar

to correct

USAGE NOTE

This word may also be spelled "emendar".

enmendar(ehn-mehn-dahr)

transitive verb

1. (to put right)

a. to correct

El alumno tendrá que enmendar las partes del texto con errores ortográficos.

The student will have to correct the parts of the text with spelling mistakes.

b. to emend

(formal)

Habrá que enmendar el párrafo 6 de la póliza en vista del nuevo reglamento.

Paragraph 6 of the policy will have to be emended in light of the new rules.

c. to amend

Tuvimos que enmendar varios errores que se encontraron en el primer borrador.

We had to amend a number of errors which were found in the first draft.

d. to rectify

Cristina enmendó los errores subrayados por el profesor.

Cristina corrected the mistakes highlighted by the teacher.

2. (to change)

a. to improve

Si Manuel no enmienda sus malos modales será expulsado de clase.

If Manuel doesn't improve his bad manners he will be expelled from the class.

3. (legal)

a. to amend

Habrá que enmendar el proyecto de ley para que no se vean perjudicados los discapacitados.

The bill will have to be amended to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged.

4. (to make good)

a. to redress (damage)

Aunque se disculpe Juan nunca podrá enmendar el daño que me hizo.

Even if he apologizes Juan will never be able to redress the hurt he caused me.

5. (nautical)

a. to change (course)

Cuando el capitán se dio cuenta que el barco iba a chocar contra el iceberg, ya no hubo tiempo para enmendar el rumbo.

When the captain realized the ship was going to hit the iceberg, there was no time to change course.

enmendarse

reflexive verb

6. (to change for the better)

a. to mend one's ways

Desde que salió de la cárcel Hugo dice que quiere enmendarse y hacer una nueva vida.

Since he came out of prison Hugo says he wants to mend his ways and start a new life.