Definition

Making up for a wrong or injury; the act of repairing a relationship or situation that has been damaged.

Example

He sought atonement for his past mistakes by helping others in need.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how we seek atonement for our mistakes?

Definitely, it's important to make things right when we can.

I feel like understanding atonement helps us grow as people.

Exactly, it allows us to learn and improve from our past actions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Atonement → It is formed from "atone" (from the phrase "at one," meaning in harmony or in agreement) and the suffix "-ment" (meaning the action or result of). The word "atonement" refers to the action of making amends or being in harmony after a wrongdoing.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'in harmony' ('at one') after a mistake, and the '-ment' shows it's the action of making things right.

Visually Confused Words