Atonement Meaning
/əˈtoʊnmənt/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounMaking amends to restore a damaged relationship; expiation.
nounThe reconciliation of God and mankind through the death of Jesus.
Sentence Examples
Accept suffering and achieve atonement through it — that is what you must do.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
He sought ____ for his mistakes by donating to charity monthly.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The man performed a ritual of ____ to show he was sorry for his sin.
Word Origin & History
Perhaps from atone + -ment as translation of Medieval Latin adūnāmentum; however, the noun is found earlier than the verb (atone); and in this light, the proper etymology is at + onement.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"When a man has been guilty of any vice, the best atonement he can make for it is, to warn others."
— 1711 March 19 (Gregorian calendar), [Joseph Addison; Richard Steele et al.], “THURSDAY, March 9, 1710–1711”, in The Spectator, number 8; republished in Alexander Chalmers, editor, The Spectator; a New Edition, […], volume I, New York, N.Y.: D[aniel] Appleton & Company, 1853, →OCLC:
"by whom we have now received the atonement"
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Romans 5:11:
"He desires to make atonement
Betwixt the Duke of Gloucester and your brothers."
— c. 1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third: […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iii]:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
He sought ____ for his mistakes by donating to charity monthly.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The man performed a ritual of ____ to show he was sorry for his sin.