French word

amende

Pronunciation

IPA/amɑ̃d/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfine

Example

Fais attention, tu risques une amende si tu te gares ici.

Be careful, you risk a fine if you park here.

Illustration for amende (fine)

More examples

Il a reçu une amende pour excès de vitesse.

He received a fine for speeding.

Core concept

A required payment that marks a violation of a rule or duty.

Common phrases

  • payer une amende

    pay a fine

  • contester une amende

    contest a fine

  • recevoir une amende

    receive a fine

Similar words

contravention: A relatively minor breach of a law or regulation.
procès-verbal: An official report or ticket issued by the police for an offense.
sanction: A general term for a penalty or other measure imposed for breaking a rule.

Definition in French

Somme d'argent imposée comme sanction pour une contravention ou tout autre manquement aux obligations.

Word origin

Amende is inherited through Old French from Latin emendare, 'to correct', and acquired its current sense of a penalty paid for wrongdoing.

Usage tips

  • Amende is not the usual translation of 'amendment'; the related verb amender means to amend or improve, while une amende is a fine.

Opposites

Word lists with this word