Meaning & Definition of word "Atone"
Atone
/əˈtoʊn/
verb:
- 1. to make amends or reparation for a wrongdoing or an offense
- Example: He tried to atone for his mistakes by volunteering at the local shelter.
- 2. to reconcile or make up for something that has caused harm or hurt
- Example: After years of neglecting her family, she sought to atone with heartfelt apologies.
- 3. to expiate or to seek forgiveness for one’s actions
- Example: The criminal attempted to atone for his crimes by confessing to the authorities.
- 4. to offset or balance out a previous action, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense
- Example: He donated a large sum of money to charity to atone for his earlier indifference.
Etymology
●Middle English: from atone 'in accord, in harmony', from 'at one' with.
Common Phrases and Expressions
atone for one's sins:
to make amends for wrongdoings in a moral or spiritual context.
atone with:
to reconcile with someone after a disagreement.
Related Words
expiate:
To make amends for guilt or wrongdoing.
redress:
To remedy or set right a wrong or grievance.
Slang Meanings of atone
Meaning: Make things right.
● Example Sentence: He needs to atone for that mistake, or no one will trust him again.
Meaning: Payback for bad behavior.
● Example Sentence: She's got to atone; there will be consequences for her actions.