Use atone for serious moral, personal, or religious repair. It is stronger and more formal than simply saying sorry.
Use atone for serious moral, personal, or religious repair. It is stronger and more formal than simply saying sorry.
atone the mistake drops the usual for, and ordinary regret is often better expressed with apologize or regret.
From Middle English at one, meaning "in harmony" or "reconciled". The verb developed from the idea of bringing people back into agreement.
What does atone mean?
Atone means to make amends for a wrong, mistake, harm, or sin through an action meant to repair it.
Is atone the same as apologize?
No. Apologize is saying sorry, while atone usually implies doing something to make amends.
What preposition follows atone?
The usual pattern is atone for something, as in atone for a mistake or atone for sins.
Can atone be used in religious writing?
Yes. Atone is common in religious contexts for making amends for sin or seeking reconciliation.
What is the past tense of atone?
The past tense and past participle are atoned, and the present participle is atoning.
Where does atone come from?
Atone comes from the Middle English idea of being at one, meaning reconciled or in harmony.