Amendment vs. Revision — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 16, 2023
An amendment involves making minor changes or additions to improve a document, while a revision encompasses more substantial reworking or updating. Both pertain to altering existing content for clarity or correctness.
Difference Between Amendment and Revision
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An amendment typically refers to a modification or correction made to a document or text. This change is usually minor, addressing specific points or areas. Conversely, a revision often implies a more in-depth review and alteration of the content, which could lead to a comprehensive overhaul.
While an amendment might be used to make a document current by updating specific details, a revision could mean changing its entire structure or format. For instance, in the context of laws or constitutions, an amendment might add a new clause or modify an existing one, ensuring its relevance and applicability. In contrast, a revision of the same document might involve rearranging its sections or altering its foundational concepts.
The act of amending is often straightforward, targeting specific inaccuracies or outdated information. This makes the amendment process relatively quicker and more focused. On the other hand, undertaking a revision requires a more holistic approach, potentially addressing the entire content, its organization, and its clarity.
In the context of writing or publishing, authors might make amendments to their works based on feedback from editors regarding minor errors or oversights. Meanwhile, a revision would involve rethinking major plot points, character development, or thematic elements, leading to a more thorough rewrite of sections or chapters.
When considering academic or scholarly works, an amendment might relate to the correction of citations, data points, or specific terminologies. A revision, however, would involve re-evaluating the core arguments, methodologies, or conclusions, resulting in significant changes to the content and its presentation.
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Comparison Chart
Nature of Change
Minor modifications or corrections.
Comprehensive reworking or updating.
Scope
Targets specific points or areas.
Can address the entire content.
Purpose
Update or improve particular details.
Overall improvement or restructuring.
Duration
Relatively quicker process.
Can be time-consuming.
Common Use
Legal texts, minor edits in writings.
Drafts, academic papers, extensive edits.
Compare with Definitions
Amendment
A minor change or addition made to improve a document or text.
The constitution saw an amendment to ensure equal rights for all citizens.
Revision
A version of something that differs in some respect from a prior version.
The third revision of the software was bug-free.
Amendment
A formal alteration proposed or ratified for a constitution or bylaw.
The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote.
Revision
A substantial change or rewrite of content for improvement.
His essay required a major revision to address the core argument.
Amendment
An official change to a bill or law.
The senator proposed an amendment to the healthcare bill.
Revision
An updated edition or version released after making changes.
The publisher released a revision of the outdated textbook.
Amendment
A modification to correct errors or clarify information.
The author made an amendment to the book's second edition.
Revision
The act of re-examining and altering something, especially a written work.
After feedback, she began a thorough revision of her novel.
Amendment
A measure to enhance or rectify specific sections of content.
The committee suggested an amendment to the company's policy.
Revision
The process of revising academic work for exams.
Students often engage in revision during the finals week.
Amendment
An amendment is a formal or official change made to a law, contract, constitution, or other legal document. It is based on the verb to amend, which means to change for better.
Revision
The action of revising
The scheme needs drastic revision
Amendment
The act of changing for the better; improvement
"Society may sometimes show signs of repentance and amendment" (George G. Coulton).
Revision
The act or process of revising.
Amendment
A correction or alteration, as in a manuscript.
Revision
A revised or new version, as of a book or other written material.
Amendment
The process of formally altering or adding to a document or record.
Revision
(uncountable) The process of revising:
Amendment
A statement of such an alteration or addition.
Revision
The action or process of reviewing, editing and amending.
Amendment
Amendment One of the provisions in the US Constitution protecting individual rights.
Revision
The action or process of reviewing something previously learned, especially one′s notes in preparation for a test or examination.
All that last minute revision really paid off in the exam! I got top marks!
Amendment
A material, such as organic matter or sand, mixed into soil to improve growing conditions.
Revision
(countable) A changed edition, or new version; a modification.
Amendment
An alteration or change for the better; correction of a fault or of faults; reformation of life by quitting vices.
Revision
(countable) A story corrected or expanded by a writer commissioned by the original author.
A revision story
Amendment
In public bodies, any alteration made or proposed to be made in a bill or motion that adds, changes, substitutes, or omits.
Revision
To provide with a new vision.
What philosophy needs is to be revisioned with a more hopeful, engaged inspirational point of view.
Amendment
(legal) Correction of an error in a writ or process.
Revision
The act of revising; reëxamination for correction; review; as, the revision of a book or writing, or of a proof sheet; a revision of statutes.
Amendment
An addition to and/or alteration to the Constitution.
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery.
Revision
That which is made by revising.
Amendment
That which is added; that which is used to increase or supplement something.
A soil amendment
Revision
The act of revising or altering (involving reconsideration and modification);
It would require a drastic revision of his opinion
Amendment
An alteration or change for the better; correction of a fault or of faults; reformation of life by quitting vices.
Revision
The act of rewriting something
Amendment
In public bodies; Any alternation made or proposed to be made in a bill or motion by adding, changing, substituting, or omitting.
Revision
Something that has been written again;
The rewrite was much better
Amendment
Correction of an error in a writ or process.
Amendment
The act of amending or correcting
Amendment
A statement that is added to or revises or improves a proposal or document (a bill or constitution etc.)
Common Curiosities
Is revision only applicable to written content?
No, revision can apply to any work or product that undergoes significant changes or updates.
What's the primary difference between an amendment and a revision?
An amendment is a minor change, while a revision involves more substantial alterations.
Are all changes in legal documents termed as amendments?
No, while specific changes are amendments, more comprehensive reworks might be termed revisions or rewrites.
Can an amendment change the overall meaning of a document?
Typically, an amendment tweaks specific parts without altering the document's core intent.
Is every edit in a draft considered a revision?
Not necessarily. Minor edits are amendments, while more substantial reworks constitute revisions.
Are revisions always better than the original?
Not always. The quality of a revision depends on its intent and execution.
Can a book undergo both amendment and revision?
Yes, a book might see minor amendments for errors and larger revisions for content or structure.
Are revisions final?
Not always. Works can undergo multiple revisions based on feedback or changing requirements.
Does an amendment always require approval?
In formal settings, like legal or official documents, amendments typically need approval from relevant authorities.
Can a law be both amended and revised?
Yes, a law can see specific amendments and, over time, undergo more extensive revisions.
Which takes longer, an amendment or a revision?
Typically, a revision takes longer as it involves more in-depth changes.
Is every amendment noted in the revised document?
In formal settings, amendments are often noted, but in casual or internal documents, they might not be.
Do all constitutions allow amendments?
Most constitutions provide a process for amendments, though the procedures and criteria vary.
Is the act of studying for exams termed as amendment?
No, that's typically termed as revision.
How often can a document undergo amendments?
There's no fixed limit; a document can be amended as many times as deemed necessary.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
