atoned; atoning
: to make amends : to provide or serve as reparation or compensation for something bad or unwelcome
—usually + for
He wanted to atone for his sins.
But I think that he has within him a capacity for love, and an unselfishness, which almost atones for his dishonesty.—
Anthony Trollope
Anthony Trollope
Did you know?
Atone has its roots in the idea of reconciliation and harmony. It grew out of the Middle English phrase at on meaning “in harmony,” a phrase echoed in current expressions like “feeling at one with nature.” When atone joined modern English in the 16th century, it meant “to reconcile,” and suggested the restoration of a peaceful and harmonious state between people or groups. Today, atone specifically implies addressing the damage—or disharmony—caused by one’s own behavior.
Examples of atone in a Sentence
tried to atone for forgetting their anniversary by giving his wife a truly extravagant gift
Recent Examples on the Web
Dollar General is piloting same-day delivery from approximately 75 stores as the discount retailer hopes to atone for some of its slip-ups earlier this year and regain market share among its middle-income consumers.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 Dec. 2024
Perhaps out of a shared sense of guilt, Oppenheimer yearns to give these sinners a chance to atone for their mistakes.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
She was drawn to the film’s themes of redemption, as Emilia attempts to atone for her brutal past by starting a charity for victims of cartel violence.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
The Kansas State transfer atoned by throwing for 182 yards and touchdowns to Emeka Egbuka and Brandon Inniss.
—Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2024
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Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 Dec. 2024
Perhaps out of a shared sense of guilt, Oppenheimer yearns to give these sinners a chance to atone for their mistakes.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
She was drawn to the film’s themes of redemption, as Emilia attempts to atone for her brutal past by starting a charity for victims of cartel violence.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
The Kansas State transfer atoned by throwing for 182 yards and touchdowns to Emeka Egbuka and Brandon Inniss.
—Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for atone
Dictionary Entries Near atone
Cite this Entry
“Atone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atone. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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