Langimage
English

Aby

|A-by|

C2

/eɪbi/

to atone

Etymology
Etymology Information

'Aby' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ābycgan,' where 'ā-' meant 'away' and 'bycgan' meant 'to buy.'

Historical Evolution

'ābycgan' transformed into the Middle English word 'abien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'aby.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to buy off or redeem,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to atone or make amends.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to make amends or atone for something.

He sought to aby his past mistakes.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/06 16:08