atones
|a-tones|
🇺🇸
/əˈtoʊn/
🇬🇧
/əˈtəʊn/
(atone)
make amends
Etymology
'atone' originates from Middle English, specifically the phrase 'at one' (Middle English 'atonen'), where 'at' meant 'in/at' and 'one' meant 'united' or 'one'.
'atone' changed from the Middle English phrase 'at one'/'atonen' (meaning 'to be at one, to agree') and eventually became the modern English verb 'atone' with senses of making amends and reconciliation.
Initially, it meant 'to be at one, to agree' or 'to be in harmony'; over time it evolved into the modern sense 'to make amends, to reconcile or correct a wrong.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
third-person singular present form of 'atone': to make amends or reparation for a wrongdoing or fault (often used with 'for').
She atones for her mistakes by apologizing and helping to fix the damage.
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Verb 2
third-person singular present form of 'atone' (older/less common sense): to reconcile or bring into harmony (original sense: to be 'at one' with someone).
He atones with his estranged brother after years of argument.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/13 04:48